How Carbon Fiber Stacks Up Against Steel and Aluminum in Performance Cars

When engineers select materials for high-performance automotive applications, carbon fiber stands out against steel and aluminum. Carbon fiber in high-performance road cars delivers exceptional weight reduction, superior strength, and notable performance gains. Enthusiasts value the material for its ability to improve acceleration and handling. However, the cost of carbon fiber remains significantly higher, and repairability poses unique challenges. These differences shape the choices that buyers and manufacturers make in the automotive industry.

Key Takeaways

• Carbon fiber offers the best strength-to-weight ratio, making cars lighter and faster while improving handling and safety.

• Steel is affordable and durable but heavier, which can reduce agility and fuel efficiency in performance cars.

• Aluminum provides a good balance between weight savings and cost, often used in engines and body parts to improve efficiency.

• Using carbon fiber and aluminum reduces vehicle weight, which boosts acceleration, fuel economy, and crash safety.

• Carbon fiber parts cost more and are harder to repair, so buyers should weigh performance benefits against higher expenses.

Material Properties

Choosing the right material shapes the performance, safety, and cost of any high-performance vehicle. Engineers often compare carbon fiber, steel, and aluminum to balance these factors. The table below summarizes their core characteristics and typical applications in performance cars:

Material	Core Characteristics	Typical Applications in Performance Cars
Carbon Fiber	Composite of carbon fibers in thermosetting resin. 10x stronger than steel. 1/4 weight of steel. High strength-to-weight ratio. Used in fiber metal laminates (FML) for improved crashworthiness and weight reduction.	Hybrid fiber metal laminates (e.g., BMW 7 Series B-pillar reinforcement). Structural reinforcements. Lightweight car body parts with improved crash performance.
Steel	Dominant automotive material (70% car weight). Low cost, high recyclability, manufacturability. High density (7.8 g/cm³). Alloyed with aluminum to reduce density and weight. High-strength steels enable thinner sheets and weight reduction.	Sheet metal parts. Forged steel components. Cast iron parts. Structural frames and reinforcements. Environmentally optimal and affordable choice.
Aluminum	Fastest growing automotive material. Lower weight alternative to steel. Highly recyclable. Used mainly in engine, transmission, wheels, heat exchangers, chassis, suspension. Manufactured via high-pressure die casting for efficiency.	Engine blocks and components. Transmission parts. Wheels. Heat exchangers. Chassis and suspension components. Body panels and closures.

Carbon Fiber

Carbon fiber in high-performance road cars offers a unique blend of low weight and high strength. This composite material consists of carbon fibers set in a thermosetting resin, forming a carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer. It weighs about a quarter as much as steel but delivers up to ten times the strength. Manufacturers use carbon fiber in structural reinforcements, body panels, and hybrid fiber metal laminates. For example, the BMW 7 Series uses carbon fiber for B-pillar reinforcement, improving both crash safety and weight reduction. Carbon fiber in high-performance road cars enables sharper handling and faster acceleration compared to traditional materials.

Steel

Steel remains the most common material in automotive manufacturing. It makes up about 70% of a typical car’s weight. Steel offers high strength, excellent recyclability, and low cost. High-strength steels allow engineers to use thinner sheets, reducing overall weight while maintaining rigidity. In performance cars, steel forms the backbone of structural frames, reinforcements, and critical safety components. Traditional materials like steel provide durability and affordability, making them a practical choice for many manufacturers.

Aluminum

Aluminum has become the fastest-growing material in the automotive sector. It provides a lighter alternative to steel while maintaining good strength. Aluminum is highly recyclable and often used in engine blocks, transmission parts, wheels, and chassis components. High-performance vehicles use aluminum for body panels and suspension parts to reduce weight and improve efficiency. Compared to traditional materials, aluminum offers a balance between performance gains and cost, making it popular in both sports cars and luxury models.

Weight Comparison

Weight Differences

Automotive engineers prioritize weight when designing high-performance vehicles. Carbon fiber, steel, and aluminum each offer distinct advantages and trade-offs. Carbon fiber stands out for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, making it a preferred choice for lightweight vehicles. Steel, while strong and affordable, adds significant mass. Aluminum provides a middle ground, offering weight savings over steel but not matching the ultra-light properties of carbon fiber.

The following table summarizes how manufacturers achieve weight reduction by transitioning from steel to aluminum and carbon fiber in key vehicle components:

Weight Reduction Target (%)	Material Usage and Transition Details
5	85% transition from steel to aluminum for closures
Up to 15	Aluminum used for curb weight reduction up to 15%
Beyond 15	Polymer composites (including carbon fiber) used for weight reduction
10	Majority of roof panels become aluminum
15	Nearly all roof panels become aluminum or carbon fiber

When comparing specific parts, carbon fiber composite wheels can reduce weight by over 80% compared to steel wheels and by 11% compared to aluminum wheels. These weight savings directly influence the agility and responsiveness of performance cars.

Material Comparison	Weight Reduction (%)	Additional Notes
Carbon fiber composite vs. Steel wheel	80.4	Using laminated carbon/epoxy composite wheel
CFRP wheel vs. Conventional wheel	40-50	Weight reduction range reported
Carbon/epoxy composite vs. Aluminum wheel	11.3	Lightweight composite wheel material comparison

Note: Cutting weight from rotating components, such as wheels, amplifies performance gains because it reduces both unsprung and rotational mass.

Impact on Handling

Reducing vehicle weight transforms handling characteristics. Lighter cars respond more quickly to steering inputs and maintain better stability during high-speed maneuvers. Research shows that optimized vehicle designs using carbon fiber and composites can reduce overall weight by up to 86%. This significant weight reduction improves not only agility but also crash safety, with a reported 18.2% decrease in collision damage probability.

The table below highlights the improvements in key performance and safety aspects due to weight savings:

Aspect	Improvement Due to Weight Reduction Using Carbon Fiber and Composites
Vehicle Weight Reduction	Up to 86% reduction
Fuel Efficiency	Up to 20% improvement
Rollover Resistance	Increased by 64%
Energy Absorption	Increased by 60%

Cutting weight also enhances rollover resistance and energy absorption, both critical for high-performance driving and occupant safety. Heavier vehicles tend to suffer from deteriorated handling and increased accident risk, especially when fully loaded. In contrast, lightweight vehicles with a high strength-to-weight ratio deliver superior cornering and braking performance.

Weight to Power Ratio

The weight to power ratio remains a defining metric in the world of performance cars. This ratio measures how much weight each horsepower must move, directly impacting acceleration and top speed. Carbon fiber enables manufacturers to achieve a superior weight to power ratio, giving cars a competitive edge on both road and track.

A consistent 10% reduction in vehicle weight leads to a 6-8% improvement in fuel economy and a similar reduction in CO2 emissions. Electric vehicles benefit even more, with a 13.7% increase in driving range for every 10% drop in weight. These improvements highlight the importance of cutting weight for both traditional and electric performance cars.

Weight Reduction	Fuel Economy Improvement	CO2 Emissions Reduction	Electric Vehicle Range Improvement	Notes
10%	5.6% – 8%	Up to 8%	13.7% (for EVs)	Based on various empirical and modeling studies
10%	6.8% – 6.9%	N/A	N/A	When engine is resized to maintain performance
10%	6.3% (light trucks)	N/A	N/A	From normalized vehicle performance data

Performance vehicles like the BMW M4 CSL and Chevrolet Corvette Z06 showcase the benefits of a superior weight to power ratio. These models use carbon fiber for body panels and structural components, maximizing weight savings and delivering thrilling acceleration. The strength-to-weight ratio of carbon fiber allows engineers to design cars that are both strong and light, pushing the boundaries of automotive performance.

Strength and Rigidity

Tensile Strength

Tensile strength measures how much force a material can withstand before breaking. In high-performance vehicles, this property directly affects safety and structural integrity. Carbon fiber stands out with a tensile strength of approximately 1,035 MPa, which is more than double that of typical automotive aluminum alloys and even surpasses many advanced steels. For example, dual-phase DP980 steel, commonly used in car bodies, reaches 980 MPa, while high-grade aluminum alloys such as EN AW 6005 T6 achieve around 255 MPa.

Material	Ultimate Tensile Strength (MPa)
Carbon Fiber (T300/epoxy CFRP)	1,860
DP980 Steel	980
Aluminum (EN AW 6005 T6)	255

This exceptional strength allows engineers to design lighter structures without compromising safety. The high strength-to-weight ratio of carbon fiber enables performance cars to achieve both rigidity and reduced mass, which translates to better acceleration and handling.

Stiffness and Durability

Stiffness, often measured by Young’s modulus, determines how much a material resists deformation under stress. Carbon fiber and aluminum have similar modulus values (about 70 GPa), but carbon fiber’s much lower density gives it a significant advantage in specific stiffness. The following table highlights these differences:

Property	Carbon Fiber (approx.)	Aluminum (approx.)	Relative Comparison
Modulus of Elasticity (GPa)	70	68.9	~100%
Density (g/cm³)	1.6	2.7	Carbon fiber ~59%
Specific Stiffness (E/ρ)	43.8	25.6	Carbon fiber ~171%

Durability also plays a crucial role in material selection. Carbon fiber resists fatigue and corrosion better than steel and aluminum, making it ideal for long-term use in demanding environments. Studies on fiber metal laminates show that even after significant impact, these composites retain measurable tensile loads, demonstrating resilience. However, damage mechanisms such as fiber breakage and delamination can occur, so engineers must carefully design and inspect carbon fiber components in performance vehicles.

Note: Carbon fiber’s low thermal expansion ensures dimensional stability, which is vital for precision parts in high-performance applications.

Performance Enhancement

Acceleration

Acceleration defines the thrill and capability of any high-performance car. The 0-60 mph time stands as a benchmark for measuring this aspect. Material selection plays a crucial role in achieving rapid acceleration. Carbon fiber, with its low weight and high strength, allows engineers to reduce the mass of body panels, wheels, and structural components. This reduction in weight directly improves acceleration metrics. For example, a lighter car requires less energy to reach high speeds, resulting in faster 0-60 mph times.

• Weight reduction through carbon fiber components enhances the power-to-weight ratio.

• High-performance vehicles often use carbon fiber, aluminum, and magnesium alloys in body panels and structural parts to maximize acceleration.

• Electric vehicles benefit from lightweight materials, offsetting the mass of battery packs and improving both acceleration and range.

A study by the U.S. Department of Energy found that a 10% reduction in vehicle weight can improve fuel efficiency by 6-8%. This improvement means less energy is needed for acceleration, further boosting performance. Manufacturers like BMW and Chevrolet use carbon fiber in models such as the M4 CSL and Corvette Z06 to achieve superior acceleration and agility. These advancements highlight the importance of material choice in performance enhancement.

Note: Tuning methods like ECU remapping and aerodynamic upgrades also support acceleration, but the foundation lies in reducing vehicle mass through advanced materials.

Handling

Handling determines how a car responds to driver input and road conditions. Carbon fiber offers a significant advantage in this area due to its superior strength-to-weight ratio and customizable stiffness. Engineers can tailor the orientation of carbon fibers to optimize rigidity in specific directions, resulting in precise and responsive handling.

Property	Carbon Fiber	Aluminum
Weight	Significantly lighter (~50% less dense)	Heavier (density ~2.7 g/cm³)
Strength-to-Weight	2 to 5 times stronger than aluminum of same weight	Good strength but lower than carbon fiber
Stiffness	High and customizable via fiber orientation	High but less customizable
Vibration Dampening	Superior, reduces rider fatigue and improves comfort	Less effective vibration dampening
Deformation Behavior	Returns to original shape after loading	May permanently deform under stress

Carbon fiber’s lightweight nature allows for sharper cornering and quicker steering response. Its superior vibration dampening reduces driver fatigue, making it ideal for long drives or track use. Aluminum, while offering good strength and durability, cannot match the tailored stiffness and low weight of carbon fiber. Steel, being the heaviest, often results in less agile handling.

Performance-focused vehicles, such as the McLaren 720S, use carbon fiber monocoques to deliver exceptional handling and stability at high speeds. These cars demonstrate how advanced materials contribute to superior performance on both road and track.

• Carbon fiber frames provide lightweight, responsive handling for enthusiasts.

• Aluminum frames offer durability and cost-effectiveness but add more weight.

• Steel frames prioritize affordability and impact resistance but compromise agility.

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel efficiency remains a top priority for both manufacturers and buyers. The use of lightweight materials like carbon fiber and aluminum leads to measurable gains in this area. Carbon fiber, being up to 70% lighter than steel and 40% lighter than aluminum, allows vehicles to consume less fuel or extend electric driving range.

Machine learning analysis of vehicle data shows that higher-grade vehicles, which often use advanced lightweight materials, consistently achieve better fuel efficiency. A key study found that reducing vehicle mass by 10% through lightweight structural materials can cut fuel consumption by 6-8%. This benefit becomes even more pronounced in electric vehicles, where carbon fiber can increase battery range by up to 35%.

• Carbon fiber’s reduced weight improves fuel efficiency and lowers CO2 emissions.

• Aluminum offers moderate weight savings and fuel economy improvements.

• Steel, while affordable, adds mass and reduces overall efficiency.

Tip: To maximize fuel efficiency, manufacturers must integrate lightweight materials with optimized powertrains and aerodynamics.

Durability and Longevity

Corrosion Resistance

Corrosion resistance plays a critical role in the lifespan of performance cars. Carbon fiber stands out because it does not corrode, even in harsh environments. This property gives it an edge over steel, which requires coatings or treatments to prevent rust. Aluminum offers good resistance to corrosion, but it can still suffer from oxidation, especially in the presence of road salts. Manufacturers often choose carbon fiber for exposed body panels and structural parts to maximize durability. For example, supercars like the McLaren 720S use carbon fiber monocoques to ensure long-term reliability without the risk of rust.

Property	Carbon Fiber	Aluminum 6061-T6	Steel
Corrosion Resistance	Resistant (does not corrode)	Susceptible but generally good	Susceptible without treatment

Note: Carbon fiber’s resistance to corrosion reduces maintenance needs and extends the service life of high-performance vehicles.

Fatigue and Wear

Fatigue and wear determine how well a material withstands repeated stress and long-term use. Carbon fiber exhibits superior durability in this area, with fatigue strength between 40% and 60% of its tensile strength. This performance far exceeds that of aluminum and steel, which show lower fatigue resistance over millions of cycles. In real-world applications, carbon fiber body panels and chassis components endure more load cycles before failure, making them ideal for sports cars that face frequent high-stress driving.

Property/Aspect	Carbon Fiber	Steel (Carbon Steel)
Fatigue Life	Significantly higher; endures more load cycles before failure	Lower fatigue resistance; fewer load cycles before failure
Wear Resistance	Enhanced in composites, prolongs lifespan	Good wear resistance

Automakers rely on carbon fiber’s composite structure to deliver both strength and longevity. This combination supports the demanding requirements of track-focused vehicles and luxury sports cars.

Crash Safety

Crash safety remains a top priority in performance car design. Carbon fiber and aluminum both offer lightweight solutions that absorb energy efficiently during impacts. Advanced crash-test simulations and real-world tests confirm that carbon fiber reinforced structures improve impact resilience and reduce injury risk. For example, hybrid carbon fiber and aluminum tubes show a 45% increase in specific energy absorption and a 73% boost in crushing force efficiency compared to pure carbon fiber tubes. These results highlight the safety benefits of using carbon fiber in critical areas such as bonnets and passenger cells.

Aluminum bonnets also perform well, absorbing more energy in smaller spaces than traditional steel. Steel provides good strength but lacks the energy absorption efficiency of lighter materials. Manufacturers like BMW and Ferrari use carbon fiber and aluminum in their safety structures to balance weight, strength, and crash protection.

Tip: Choosing materials with high energy absorption and resilience can significantly improve occupant safety in high-performance vehicles.

Cost and Repairability

Manufacturing Costs

Material selection shapes the entire lifecycle of performance automotive parts. Carbon fiber commands a much higher price than steel or aluminum. The cost of virgin carbon fiber ranges from $33 to $66 per kilogram, while recycled carbon fiber can lower this to under $5 per kilogram. Steel remains the most affordable option, with aluminum falling in between. Manufacturing with carbon fiber also requires specialized tooling and skilled labor, increasing initial expenses. Production waste from carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) can reach up to 40%, which adds to the overall cost. However, large-scale recycling plants now help recover value from manufacturing waste, making recycled composites more accessible for automotive applications.

Material	Raw Material Cost (per kg)	Tooling/Processing Cost	Waste Management Cost
Carbon Fiber	$33–$66 (virgin), <$5 (recycled)	High	High (unless recycled)
Aluminum	Moderate	Moderate	Low
Steel	Low	Low	Low

Repair Challenges

Repairing premium carbon fiber parts presents unique challenges. Unlike steel or aluminum, carbon fiber cannot be easily welded or reshaped. Specialized technicians must address damage, often requiring complete replacement of the affected component. This process increases both repair time and cost. In contrast, steel panels can be repaired or welded at most body shops, and aluminum, while needing some expertise, remains more manageable than carbon fiber. Insurance premiums for vehicles with extensive carbon fiber content often reflect these higher repair costs.

Note: Owners of high-performance vehicles should consider the availability of skilled repair facilities before choosing carbon fiber-intensive models.

Ownership Costs

Although carbon fiber increases upfront costs, it can lower operational expenses over time. Lightweight materials like carbon fiber and aluminum improve fuel efficiency and reduce maintenance needs, which lowers total ownership costs. Case studies in automotive manufacturing show that these materials help reduce emissions and extend vehicle lifespan. End-of-life costs also differ: steel and aluminum are highly recyclable, while carbon fiber recycling is growing but still less common. Recycled carbon fiber composites now offer a cost-effective alternative for performance automotive parts, further reducing long-term expenses.

• Initial purchase price: Highest for carbon fiber, moderate for aluminum, lowest for steel.

• Operational savings: Carbon fiber and aluminum reduce fuel consumption.

• End-of-life value: Steel and aluminum offer strong recycling markets; carbon fiber recycling is expanding.

Aesthetics and Perception

Visual Appeal

Automotive designers often select materials that enhance both performance and appearance. Carbon fiber stands out in high-performance vehicles due to its distinctive weave pattern and deep, glossy finish. This material allows for complex shapes and aerodynamic features, giving cars a futuristic and aggressive look. Manufacturers frequently showcase exposed carbon fiber on hoods, roofs, and interior trim to signal exclusivity and advanced engineering.

Steel and aluminum offer a more traditional appearance. Steel panels provide a smooth, classic finish but lack the visual intrigue of carbon fiber. Aluminum enables sleeker lines and lighter panels, yet it cannot match the unique texture or depth of carbon fiber. Luxury brands such as McLaren and Lamborghini use carbon fiber to create signature design elements that set their models apart.

Carbon fiber’s visual appeal extends beyond aesthetics. Its lightweight nature allows for innovative designs that improve both aerodynamics and curb appeal.

The table below summarizes key differences in visual appeal:

Material	Visual Appeal Highlights
Carbon Fiber	Distinctive weave, glossy finish, enables complex shapes, signals luxury and performance
Aluminum	Sleek, modern look, supports lightweight panels, less visually unique
Steel	Classic, smooth finish, durable but visually conventional

Market Value

Market value reflects both material prestige and consumer demand. Carbon fiber components command higher prices in the automotive market. Buyers associate carbon fiber with cutting-edge technology and superior performance, which drives up resale values for vehicles featuring this material. High production costs and complex manufacturing processes further elevate the price of carbon fiber parts.

Steel and aluminum remain more affordable and accessible. Steel offers cost-effective durability, making it the standard for mass-market vehicles. Aluminum provides a balance between weight savings and price, appealing to a broader range of buyers. However, neither material matches the premium status of carbon fiber in luxury and sports car segments.

Material	Market Value Summary
Carbon Fiber	Highest market value, premium pricing, strong demand in luxury and performance markets
Aluminum	Moderate value, popular for efficiency and cost-conscious buyers
Steel	Lowest cost, widely used, valued for affordability and recyclability

Vehicles with carbon fiber parts often retain higher resale values, especially in the luxury and high-performance categories. This premium reflects both the material’s exclusivity and its impact on driving experience.

Environmental Impact

Production Footprint

Material selection in performance cars shapes not only speed and handling but also the planet’s future. Carbon fiber, steel, and aluminum each leave a distinct mark on the environment during production. The carbon footprint of manufacturing these materials varies widely. Fairmat BD carbon fiber, for example, produces about 4 kg of CO2 equivalent per kilogram. Steel has a higher carbon footprint, reaching approximately 7 kg CO2e per kilogram. Aluminum’s footprint depends on the recycling process, but it often falls between carbon fiber and steel.

Material	Carbon Footprint (kg CO2e per kg)	Notes on Recyclability and Waste Management
Fairmat BD Carbon Fiber	~4	Mechanical recycling reduces emissions by ~9x compared to thermal recycling; current waste mostly landfilled (90%)
Steel	~7	Higher carbon footprint; recyclability depends on allocation methods in LCA
Aluminum	Not explicitly quantified here	Recycling effects significantly influence LCA outcomes; preferred material depends on recycling approach

Automakers now seek sustainable production methods to reduce emissions and waste. Mechanical recycling of carbon fiber composites offers significant environmental benefits, cutting emissions by nearly nine times compared to thermal recycling. However, most carbon fiber waste still ends up in landfills. Steel and aluminum benefit from established recycling systems, but their environmental impact depends on how recycling is measured in life cycle assessments. Companies that prioritize sustainable production methods can lower the carbon footprint of their vehicles and support long-term sustainability.

Recyclability

Recyclability plays a crucial role in the environmental benefits of automotive materials. Steel and aluminum have high recycling rates, making them attractive for sustainability goals. Aluminum recycling, in particular, saves up to 95% of the energy required for primary production. Steel recycling also reduces emissions and conserves resources. Carbon fiber recycling remains less common, with about 90% of waste currently landfilled. Mechanical recycling methods show promise for improving sustainability, but widespread adoption has not yet occurred.

The choice of recycling approach and allocation method in life cycle assessments can shift the environmental benefits of each material. In electric vehicles, for example, the production footprint and end-of-life recycling method can determine which material best supports sustainability. Automakers must consider both production and recyclability to maximize environmental benefits and meet future regulations.

Note: Integrating sustainable production methods and advanced recycling technologies will drive the next generation of eco-friendly performance cars.

Carbon Fiber in High-Performance Road Cars

Real-World Examples

Manufacturers have embraced carbon fiber in high-performance road cars to achieve unmatched strength and weight savings. The McLaren 720S features a carbon fiber monocoque chassis, which delivers exceptional rigidity and safety. Lamborghini uses carbon fiber extensively in the Aventador, reducing weight and enhancing agility. BMW’s M4 CSL incorporates carbon fiber in its roof and body panels, resulting in sharper handling and improved acceleration. Chevrolet’s Corvette Z06 leverages carbon fiber wheels and aerodynamic components to boost both speed and efficiency. These examples demonstrate how carbon fiber in high-performance road cars enables engineers to create advanced performance machines that set new standards for agility and durability.

Supercar manufacturers often select carbon fiber for its proven performance in motorsport. The material’s superior strength-to-weight ratio allows for aggressive styling and complex aerodynamic shapes. Owners of high-performance sports cars value the unique appearance and exclusivity that carbon fiber provides. Automotive brands continue to push boundaries by integrating carbon fiber into structural assemblies, body panels, and even interior elements.

Future Trends

The automotive carbon fiber market is poised for significant growth through 2033. Demand for lightweight vehicles continues to rise as manufacturers seek to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions. Electric vehicles, especially battery electric models, drive much of this adoption because carbon fiber extends battery range and enhances performance. North America and Europe currently lead the market, supported by strict environmental regulations and a strong presence of luxury and high-performance vehicle makers.

Emerging trends include the use of recycled carbon fiber, cost-effective manufacturing techniques, and AI-driven design processes. These innovations lower production costs and reduce waste, making carbon fiber more accessible for a wider range of vehicles. Market forecasts predict the global automotive carbon fiber sector will grow from $37.67 billion in 2025 to $79.54 billion by 2034, reflecting robust expansion. As technology advances, carbon fiber in high-performance road cars will continue to define the next generation of advanced performance machines.

Feature	Carbon Fiber	Steel	Aluminum
Strength	Superior tensile strength	Excellent impact resistance	Flexible, strong
Weight	Lightest	Heaviest	Moderate
Corrosion Resistance	Does not rust	Needs protection	Needs protection
Cost	Most expensive	Most affordable	Moderate
Repairability	Difficult, costly	Easy, cheap	Easier than carbon fiber

Carbon fiber delivers unmatched strength and weight savings, making it ideal for supercars like the McLaren 720S. Steel offers durability and low cost, while aluminum balances weight and affordability. Buyers who value peak performance may choose carbon fiber, but those seeking lower costs or easier repairs often prefer steel or aluminum. Each material serves a unique purpose—consider personal priorities before making a decision.