The vehicle ride performance is affected by vibration transferred from the engine to the chassis though the engine mounts. In paper, a full vehicle model of passive and active suspension systems with engine mounts is developed. In this model, the engine and the vehicle body masses are modeled as a rigid body, while the rubber mounts are simulated and their effects on the vehicle ride performance are discussed.

The experimental work is carried out on a vehicle fitted with one typical type of engine mount, and its influence on the vehicle ride performance is evaluated. The results shed that it is possible to reduce the acceleration level by selecting a suitable engine mount system. Also, an optimal value for engine mount stiffness and damping is obtained. The experimental and theoretical results were found to be in a good agreement. A comparison between active and passive suspension with engine mount is also discussed.