What's the difference between a 'subframe' and a 'chassis' on a car?

Question

What's the difference between a 'subframe' and a 'chassis' on a car?

Answer 1

subframe connects the front suspension to the unibody.and a chassis is the complete frame of the vehicle..if the vehicle is made from a unibody it will not have a chassis,only vehicles that can be unbolted from the frame can be refered to as  a chassis...

Answer 2

Sub-frames are frames that bolt to the body (front and or rear) to provide place to mount suspension and powertrain components. The chassis is just a term for the body, frame and suspension.

Answer 3

Most cars are now built using 'unitary construction' - this means that the body structure actually gives the car it's strength;



http://www.bmh-ltd.com/images/mgb_shell....

In this method of construction, the engine, transmission and suspension units are usually mounted on 'subframes' at either end, which are then mounted onto the body for cheaper, more convenient manufacture.

http://www.hondazcar.co.uk/images/Front%...

A chassis is a conventional, separate piece of metalwork, which holds all of the mechanical parts of the car and gives structural strength, which the body is then simply bolted or welded on to. Some larger 4x4s still use a separate chassis.

http://www.vord.net/cars/land-rover/land...