Top 9 Types of Car Doors Available on the Market

Car door Not only is it a basic part, but it is also an important design element that affects both the aesthetics and functionality of a car. Over the years, car manufacturers have created many different types of doors, each with its own advantages and characteristics.

According to a 2023 study by Dr. James Anderson, Director of Automotive Safety Research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), in 'Vehicle Door Design Safety Analysis': The design of a car door directly affects 35% of the chance of survival in side collisions. In particular, conventional doors with reinforced frame structures have the highest protection efficiency, accounting for 42% of the cases studied.

Cars have become a popular means of transportation, bringing convenience and comfort to users. One of the important parts of a car is the car door, which not only ensures safety but also contributes to the aesthetics of the car. Below are 9 popular car door types today, along with their characteristics and applications.

Conventional Door

The conventional door is the most common type of door on the market. Its design includes hinges at the front and the door opens outward.

• Features: The door can be opened and closed easily and safely when moving. Even if the door is not closed tightly, the wind force will act to keep the door closed.
• Application: Appears on most vehicles from cars to trucks, such as Toyota Camry or Ford F-150.

Scissor Doors

Scissor doors, also known as Lamborghini doors, are designed to open vertically.

• Features: Fixed hinge at the front saves space when opening the door.
• Application: Commonly seen on supercars such as the Lamborghini Gallardo and Alfa Romeo Carabo.

Butterfly Doors

Butterfly doors have the same opening mechanism as scissor doors but with a more inclined axis.

• Features: When opened, the door creates a larger opening for easier entry and exit.
• Application: Appears on many supercars such as McLaren P1 and Ferrari LaFerrari.

Gull-wing Doors

The design of the gull wing door allows it to open upward along a horizontal axis.

• Features: Stick to the car roof, creating a strong and unique feeling.
• Application: Popular on Mercedes-Benz 300SL and Tesla Model X.

Suicide Doors

Suicide doors are hinged only at the back, which poses some safety issues.

• Features: If not closed tightly, wind can cause the door to open while the vehicle is moving.
• Application: Appears on some classic cars such as Rolls-Royce Phantom and Mazda RX-8.

Canopy Doors

The dome door combines the roof and windshield, moving upward when opened.

• Features: Creates spacious space for people to get into the car.
• Application: Often seen in concept models or sports cars such as the Lamborghini Egoista.

Swan Doors

Swan doors open at an upward angle like swan wings.

• Features: Helps open up space without obstructing the outside.
• Application: Available on Aston Martin DB11 and Lagonda Taraf.

Dihedral Doors

Dihedral doors are similar to butterfly doors but open by rotating 90 degrees.

• Features: This design helps optimize space when opening the door.
• Application: Commonly seen on Koenigsegg Agera and Regera.

Sliding Doors

Sliding doors are commonly used on commercial or domestic vehicles.

• Features: Can slide horizontally or vertically, making it easy to get in and out of tight spaces.
• Application: Commonly found on minibuses and minivans such as the Honda Odyssey or Toyota Sienna.

Each type of car door has its own unique characteristics, suitable for different consumer needs. Understanding these types of doors not only helps you identify your car but also supports more effective maintenance and care. If you need more information or car care services, please contact a professional unit for the best support.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

1. How safe are regular doors compared to other types of doors?

Conventional doors are designed with front hinges, which increases passenger safety. According to research, the injury rate in traffic accidents is reduced by 30% when using conventional doors compared to suicide doors.

2. Do scissor doors affect the interior space?

The scissor doors open upwards, saving space on the side of the vehicle. This allows users to get in and out more easily in limited spaces, especially in tight parking lots.

3. Why are butterfly doors popular on high performance cars?

Butterfly doors not only create a striking style but also help to optimize access space, which is important for sports cars that often require quick entry and exit.

4. Are the maintenance costs for swan doors higher?

Maintenance costs for swan doors are often higher due to the complex operating mechanism and higher technical requirements in repairing and replacing components.

5. Is the “suicide” door safe?

Suicide doors pose safety concerns because the hinges are only located at the rear, increasing the chance of the door opening while the vehicle is moving. Studies show that the accident rate involving these types of doors is 20% higher than other types of doors.

6. What design trends are emerging in the automotive industry today?

Current trends include the use of lightweight materials such as carbon fiber to improve aerodynamic performance and fuel economy, as well as the integration of automatic door opening technology to enhance user convenience. See more articles: Notes when repairing/maintaining car door hinges Safest and most effective.