Whats better Live Axle or Independent Suspension?

Question

Mustang has Live Axle and The 2009 camaro has Independent Suspension

Answer 1

The failure of Ford to use an independent rear suspension has been a stickler for a lot of us driving enthusiasts. In past years a few of the special editions had  independent rear ends.

I fully expect Ford to offer a new Mustang soon after the new Camaro. It will have an independent rear end and who know what else to force Chevrolet  into another design frenzy.

It took Chevrolet over 20 years (1932 to 1957) to respond to the Ford flathead engine. But  Ford answered that engine in 5 years (1961  Windsor engine).

Ford has a new Mustang  in the wings just waiting.

Answer 2

I think Ford did it to save money.  The only real reason for a solid axle these days is in a 4x4 because of the way it can flex.

"in order to keep the price tag for these cars down, concessions had to be made in the design that often work against the hardcore performance contingent, such as the use of the archaic live-axle rear suspension design – a design that was considered dated more than two decades ago"

Answer 3

It depends, better for what?

Independent rear suspension is:

* more expensive

* provides better ride

* better handling

* generally higher overall weight

* has many more parts

More sophisticated vehicle have independent rear suspension like Indy Cars, Formula One, H1 Hummer (but not the cheaper Hummers), Corvettes, Vipers, etc.