Frame vs. Chassis: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 22, 2024
Key Differences
A frame serves as the rigid structure of a vehicle or any object, providing shape and support. Conversely, a chassis refers specifically to the base framework of a vehicle, inclusive of the frame and additional components like suspension and engine mounts.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 22, 2024
In construction, a frame is often made of steel or wood, forming the skeleton of a building or vehicle. The chassis, on the other hand, is a term more commonly used in automotive contexts, describing the entire lower part of a vehicle including the frame.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 22, 2024
The frame in a vehicle is crucial for maintaining the overall integrity and shape, especially in impacts. The chassis, integrating the frame, adds to this by also supporting the vehicle’s engine, suspension system, and wheels, playing a vital role in its functionality.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 22, 2024
Frames are not exclusive to vehicles; they are also used in various fields like construction and art. Chassis, in contrast, is a term more exclusive to the realm of vehicles, emphasizing the combination of structural and mechanical components.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 22, 2024
The design and strength of a frame are key to the durability of the structure it supports. For a chassis, its design goes beyond supporting weight, involving aspects like vehicle handling and stability, given its comprehensive role in a vehicle's design.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 22, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Structural skeleton of an object or vehicle
The base framework of a vehicle, including the frame and other components
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Jan 22, 2024
Context of Use
Broadly used in various fields
Primarily used in automotive and vehicle design
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 22, 2024
Components
Consists solely of the structural framework
Includes the frame plus engine mounts, suspension system, etc.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 22, 2024
Function
Provides shape and support
Supports the vehicle’s functionality and integrates various systems
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Jan 22, 2024
Application
Used in buildings, vehicles, art
Exclusive to vehicles, emphasizing a combination of structural and mechanical elements
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 22, 2024
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Frame and Chassis Definitions
Frame
It's the rigid skeleton of a vehicle or machinery.
The car's frame was bent in the accident.
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Jan 02, 2024
Chassis
A chassis is the base frame of a vehicle, plus components.
The chassis includes the car's suspension and engine mount.
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Jan 02, 2024
Frame
A frame outlines or borders an object, like a picture.
The painting was enhanced by a decorative frame.
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Jan 02, 2024
Chassis
In computing, chassis refers to the frame that holds computer components.
The server's components were secured in a robust chassis.
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Jan 02, 2024
Frame
In sports, a frame refers to a single round or game.
She bowled a perfect score in the final frame.
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Jan 02, 2024
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Chassis
Chassis also implies the underpart of a vehicle.
The rugged chassis was designed for off-road performance.
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Jan 02, 2024
Frame
Frame can also mean to construct or formulate something.
The argument was framed in a very persuasive manner.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Chassis
In radio, chassis refers to the frame holding electrical components.
The radio's chassis was carefully designed for optimal performance.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Chassis
The rectangular, usually steel frame, supported on springs and attached to the axles, that holds the body and motor of an automotive vehicle.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Frame
The structure or physique of a human or animal body
A worker's sturdy frame.
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Jan 02, 2024
Chassis
The landing gear of an aircraft, including the wheels, skids, floats, and other structures that support the aircraft on land or water.
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Jan 02, 2024
Frame
An open structure or rim for encasing, holding, or bordering
A window frame.
The frame of a mirror.
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Jan 02, 2024
Chassis
The framework to which the components of a radio, television, or other electronic devices are attached.
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Jan 02, 2024
Frame
The edge, usually rectangular, delimiting the boundaries of an image.
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Jan 02, 2024
Chassis
A base frame, or movable railway, along which the carriage of a mounted gun moves backward and forward.
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Jan 02, 2024
Frame
The bounded area of a visual image, as in photography or film
Filled the frame with a cast of thousands.
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Jan 02, 2024
Chassis
A frame or housing containing electrical or mechanical equipment, such as on a computer.
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Jan 02, 2024
Frame
A single image, as in a comic strip or graphic novel, usually bounded by a rectangular line.
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Jan 02, 2024
Frame
(Computers) A rectangular area in which text or graphics can be shown, especially one of several rectangular areas on a web page displaying different documents simultaneously.
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Jan 02, 2024
Chassis
A traversing base frame, or movable railway, along which the carriage of a barbette or casemate gun moves backward and forward. [See Gun carriage.]
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Jan 02, 2024
Chassis
The under part of an automobile or other motor vehicle, consisting of the frame (on which the body is mounted) with the wheels and machinery.
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Jan 02, 2024
Frame
A general state or condition
The news put me into a better frame of mind.
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Jan 02, 2024
Chassis
Alternative names for the body of a human being;
Leonardo studied the human body
He has a strong physique
The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak
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Jan 02, 2024
Chassis
A metal mounting for the circuit components of an electronic device
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Jan 02, 2024
Frame
The presentation of events in a narrative work, especially a work of literature or film, such that characters in the narrative exist in isolation, uninfluenced by, unaware of, and unable to interact with the narrator or audience.
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Jan 02, 2024
Chassis
The skeleton of a motor vehicle consisting of a steel frame supported on springs that holds the body and motor
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Jan 02, 2024
Chassis
It's the structural foundation for automotive assembly.
The vehicle's design started with its chassis.
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Jan 02, 2024
Frame
A pattern for a syntactic construction in which one of a group of words can vary.
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Jan 02, 2024
Frame
A round or period of play in some games, such as bowling and billiards.
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Jan 02, 2024
Frame
Often frames A pair of eyeglasses, excluding the lenses
Had new lenses fitted into an old pair of frames.
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Jan 02, 2024
Frame
To put together the structural parts of; construct the frame of
Frame a house.
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Jan 02, 2024
Frame
To establish the context for and terminology regarding (a subject of discussion or debate), especially so as to exclude an unwanted point of view
The question was framed to draw only one answer.
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Jan 02, 2024
Frame
To make up evidence or contrive events so as to incriminate (a person) falsely.
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Jan 02, 2024
Frame
To prearrange (a contest) so as to ensure a desired fraudulent outcome; fix
Frame a prizefight.
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Jan 02, 2024
Frame
(Baseball) To catch (a pitch) in such a way as to make it appear to have passed through the strike zone.
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Jan 02, 2024
Frame
(Archaic) To go; proceed
"Frame upstairs, and make little din" (Emily Brontë).
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Jan 02, 2024
Frame
(transitive) To fit, as for a specific end or purpose; make suitable or comfortable; adapt; adjust.
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Jan 02, 2024
Frame
(transitive) To construct by fitting together or uniting various parts; fabricate by union of constituent parts.
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Jan 02, 2024
Frame
(transitive) To bring or put into form or order; adjust the parts or elements of; compose; contrive; plan; devise.
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Jan 02, 2024
Frame
(transitive) Of a constructed object such as a building, to put together the structural elements.
Once we finish framing the house, we'll hang tin on the roof.
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Jan 02, 2024
Frame
(transitive) Of a picture such as a painting or photograph, to place inside a decorative border.
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Jan 02, 2024
Frame
(transitive) To position visually within a fixed boundary.
The director frames the fishing scene very well.
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Jan 02, 2024
Frame
(transitive) To construct in words so as to establish a context for understanding or interpretation.
How would you frame your accomplishments?
The way the opposition has framed the argument makes it hard for us to win.
They have framed this sentencing bill as not caring about victims; we have to frame it as preventing government overreach.
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Jan 02, 2024
Frame
Conspire to falsely incriminate a presumably innocent person. See frameup.
The gun had obviously been placed in her car in an effort to frame her.
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Jan 02, 2024
Frame
(tennis) To hit (the ball) with the frame of the racquet rather than the strings (normally a mishit).
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Jan 02, 2024
Frame
To execute; perform.
All have sworn him an oath that they should frame his will on earth.
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Jan 02, 2024
Frame
The structural elements of a building or other constructed object.
Now that the frame is complete, we can start on the walls.
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Jan 02, 2024
Frame
Anything composed of parts fitted and united together; a fabric; a structure.
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Jan 02, 2024
Frame
The structure of a person's body; the human body.
His starved flesh hung loosely on his once imposing frame.
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Jan 02, 2024
Frame
A rigid, generally rectangular mounting for paper, canvas or other flexible material.
The painting was housed in a beautifully carved frame.
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Jan 02, 2024
Frame
A piece of photographic film containing an image.
A film projector shows many frames in a single second.
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Jan 02, 2024
Frame
A context for understanding or interpretation.
In this frame, it's easy to ask the question that the investigators missed.
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Jan 02, 2024
Frame
(snooker) A complete game of snooker, from break-off until all the balls (or as many as necessary to win) have been potted.
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Jan 02, 2024
Frame
(bowling) A set of balls whose results are added together for scoring purposes. Usually two balls, but only one ball in the case of a strike, and three balls in the case of a strike or a spare in the last frame of a game.
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Jan 02, 2024
Frame
(bowling) The complete set of pins to be knocked down in their starting configuration.
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Jan 02, 2024
Frame
(horticulture) A movable structure used for the cultivation or the sheltering of plants.
A forcing-frame; a cucumber frame
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Jan 02, 2024
Frame
(philately) The outer decorated portion of a stamp's image, often repeated on several issues although the inner picture may change.
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Jan 02, 2024
Frame
A division of time on a multimedia timeline, such as 1/30th or 1/60th of a second.
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Jan 02, 2024
Frame
Any of certain machines built upon or within framework.
A stocking frame; a lace frame; a spinning frame
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Jan 02, 2024
Frame
A way of dividing nucleotide sequences into a set of consecutive triplets.
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Jan 02, 2024
Frame
(computing) A form of knowledge representation in artificial intelligence.
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Jan 02, 2024
Frame
(mathematics) A complete lattice in which meets distribute over arbitrary joins.
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Jan 02, 2024
Frame
To originate; to plan; to devise; to contrive; to compose; in a bad sense, to invent or fabricate, as something false.
How many excellent reasonings are framed in the mind of a man of wisdom and study in a length of years.
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Jan 02, 2024
Frame
To fit to something else, or for some specific end; to adjust; to regulate; to shape; to conform.
And frame my face to all occasions.
We may in some measure frame our minds for the reception of happiness.
The human mind is framed to be influenced.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Frame
To cause; to bring about; to produce.
Fear frames disorder, and disorder wounds.
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Jan 02, 2024
Frame
To manufacture false evidence against (an innocent person), so as to make the person appear guilty of a crime. The act of framing a person is often referred to as a frame-up.
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Jan 02, 2024
Frame
To proceed; to go.
The bauty of this sinful dameMade many princes thither frame.
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Jan 02, 2024
Frame
Anything composed of parts fitted and united together; a fabric; a structure; esp., the constructional system, whether of timber or metal, that gives to a building, vessel, etc., its model and strength; the skeleton of a structure.
These are thy glorious works, Parent of good,Almighty! thine this universal frame.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Frame
The bodily structure; physical constitution; make or build of a person.
Some bloody passion shakes your very frame.
No frames could be strong enough to endure it.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Frame
A kind of open case or structure made for admitting, inclosing, or supporting things, as that which incloses or contains a window, door, picture, etc.; that on which anything is held or stretched
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Frame
A term applied, especially in England, to certain machines built upon or within framework; as, a stocking frame; lace frame; spinning frame, etc.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Frame
Form; shape; proportion; scheme; structure; constitution; system; as, a frameof government.
She that hath a heart of that fine frameTo pay this debt of love but to a brother.
Put your discourse into some frame.
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Jan 02, 2024
Frame
Particular state or disposition, as of the mind; humor; temper; mood; as, to be always in a happy frame. Same as frame of mind
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Jan 02, 2024
Frame
Contrivance; the act of devising or scheming.
John the bastardWhose spirits toil in frame of villainies.
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Jan 02, 2024
Frame
In games: (a) In pool, the triangular form used in setting up the balls; also, the balls as set up, or the round of playing required to pocket them all; as, to play six frames in a game of 50 points. (b) In bowling, as in tenpins, one of the several innings forming a game.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Frame
One of a series of still transparent photographs on a strip of film used in making movies
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Jan 02, 2024
Frame
Alternative names for the body of a human being;
Leonardo studied the human body
He has a strong physique
The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Frame
A period of play in baseball during which each team has a turn at bat
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Jan 02, 2024
Frame
The hard structure (bones and cartilages) that provides a frame for the body of an animal
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Jan 02, 2024
Frame
The internal supporting structure that gives an artifact its shape;
The building has a steel skeleton
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Jan 02, 2024
Frame
Take or catch as if in a snare or trap;
I was set up!
The innocent man was framed by the police
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Jan 02, 2024
Frame
Formulate in a particular style or language;
I wouldn't put it that way
She cast her request in very polite language
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Jan 02, 2024
Frame
A frame is a structural support system.
The wooden frame provided the basic structure for the house.
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Jan 02, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
How important is the frame in construction?
It's crucial for providing shape and support to the structure.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 22, 2024
What is a chassis?
A chassis is the base framework of a vehicle, including structural and mechanical components.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 22, 2024
Is chassis specific to cars?
Primarily, though it's also used in other vehicles and machinery.
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Jan 22, 2024
Does the chassis affect a vehicle's performance?
Yes, significantly in terms of handling and stability.
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Jan 22, 2024
Is the frame visible in completed structures?
Often it's not visible, being covered by other materials.
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Jan 22, 2024
Can a frame exist without a chassis?
Yes, frames are independent structures, not exclusive to vehicles.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 22, 2024
What does chassis contribute to in a vehicle?
It supports the vehicle's engine, suspension system, and handling.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 22, 2024
Are frames made of metal only?
No, they can be made of various materials including wood.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 22, 2024
Are there different types of frames?
Yes, depending on the application, like A-frames in buildings.
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Jan 22, 2024
Can a chassis be customized?
Yes, especially in performance or specialized vehicles.
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Jan 22, 2024
Is the chassis part of a vehicle's drivetrain?
Indirectly, as it houses components like the engine.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 22, 2024
What is the lifespan of a typical frame?
It varies, but quality frames can last for decades.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 22, 2024
Do all vehicles have a similar chassis design?
No, chassis designs vary greatly across vehicle types.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 22, 2024
Is the chassis evolving with new vehicle technologies?
Absolutely, with advancements in materials and design.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 22, 2024
How is the chassis related to vehicle safety?
It's integral to absorbing impacts and protecting passengers.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 22, 2024
How do environmental factors affect frames?
They can cause wear and corrosion over time.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 22, 2024
What maintenance does a chassis require?
Regular checks for rust, damage, and alignment.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 22, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.