Quote:
Originally Posted by RabidRat
Legitimately though, it's more compact (more interior space), less stuff to break (lower maintenance & repair costs), and cheaper to build (more budget for other stuff). Sounds like a win win win for anybody who doesn't give a damn and just wants to drive at or below speed limit.
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The thing with the Corolla is -- only the cheap trims come with the rear torsion beam -- the SE / XSE trims are still equipped with multi-link rear suspension, which means the chassis or subframe needs to be built to allow for both types of suspension to work. So while the rear torsion beam is more compact, it doesn't allow for an interior with more space bcos Toyota is still building the same chassis / interior that has the space reserved for the multi-link suspension.
In the end, it is nothing more than a cost reduction measure.
Now, cars with rear torsion beams can still handle fairly well -- my pos shxtbox Mazda has a rear torsion beam, and it handles relatively well. The MkIV Golf also had a rear torsion beam, and it was reasonable good to drive as well. But of course, a typical Corolla isn't built with driving dynamics in mind...