Reduced unsprung weight compared to the Hotchkiss drive, since the differential and half-shafts are connected to the chassis.
Unlike most fully independent suspension there are no camber changes on axle loading and unloading. Fixing the camber of both wheels at 0° assists in obtaining good traction from wide tires and also tends to reduce wheel hop under high power operations compared to an independent suspension.
The choice of shock absorbers and springs is made easier.
The two wheels may be individually aligned, allowing for independent camber and track alignment.
Disadvantages:
A pair of CV or universal joints is required for each wheel, adding complexity, cost, and weight.
If coil springs are used, then a lateral location link is required, plus additional torque links on each side or a combination of lower trailing links and an upper transverse wishbone. None of these additional links are required if leaf springs are used, but ride can be compromised due to the leaves having to do double duty as both locating links and springs. The torque links are not required if the setup uses inboard brakes, like in the Pegaso 1502, Rover P6, all Iso cars and Alfa Romeo type 116, as the wheels do not transmit torque to the suspension.
Sympathetic camber changes on opposite wheels are seen on single-wheel suspension compression, just as in a Hotchkiss drive or live axle. This is not important for operation on improved surfaces but is more critical for rough road or off-road use.
The Smart Fortwo and Smart Roadster micro-compact cars produced by Daimler AG, Mitsubishi ikei car produced by Mitsubishi Motors and the Caterham 7, are the only cars currently in production that utilize this arrangement, as well as the products of some kit car companies. A recent vehicle to use this suspension coupled with leaf springs was the Ford Ranger EV. The American built MV-1 van by VPG also uses this suspension in the rear with leaf springs and is just starting production in spring 2010. 4WD variants of the Honda Fit use a De Dion style suspension in lieu of a torsion beam.
Other notable uses
Most models of the Kawasaki MULE line of utility vehicles feature a leaf sprung DeDion rear suspension with a distinctively curved tube axle that clears the rear subframe to provide 50mm of wheel travel. Benefits include simplicity, durability, compactness and a relatively low liftover height for the cargo bed. Walter Snow Fighter plow trucks produced by the Walter Truck Company of Long Island, New York throughout the mid 20th century used DeDion axles with portal gear hubs for both the front and the rear suspension, allowing the use of large differentials for durability without increasing unsprung weight or reducing ground clearance. Forged steel axles were used instead of tubes.
