Vibranium is one of the strongest materials in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Whether you’re new to the Marvel movies or have been a fan for years, you may be wondering how vibranium compares against the materials used to make Iron Man’s suits.
You’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll take a closer look at both vibranium and at Iron Man’s suits, comparing them side by side and discussing which is stronger.
Ready to get started?
Contents
What Is Vibranium?
Vibranium is an extremely rare metal that vibrates on its own–hence the name. It is the strongest metal on earth and can be obtained through mining.
There are four forms of vibranium. The most common, known as “true” vibranium, is found almost exclusively in the small African nation of Wakanda.
The other forms are Antarctic vibranium, or anti-metal, found in Antarctica; living vibranium, found in caves of the Dora Milaje; and artificial vibranium, which, as the name implies, is synthetically produced. For the purpose of this article, we will focus on true vibranium.
This rare and highly precious metal originally came to Earth on a meteorite, which crashed in an area that eventually became the nation of Wakanda. Vibranium is extremely expensive due to its rareness–$10,000 per gram.
Vibranium has unique properties like being able to hold onto and release kinetic energy. These properties make it practically indestructible, so it is excellent as both a weapon and as armor.
In addition to its inherent strength and relationship with kinetic energy, vibranium can also affect living beings on a cellular level.
The metal has mutagenic properties. This means it can change the cell structure of plants, animals, and people by imparting special properties or powers. An example of this is the heart-shaped herb, which is eaten by one looking to receive the powers of the Black Panther.
Vibranium can also enhance other magical powers. This metal is most notably used in Captain America’s shield and Black Panther’s armored suit.
What Are Iron Man’s Suits?
Iron Man’s suits can refer to any suit made by Tony Stark to aid him in fighting crime. Each suit is designated by the name “Mark” and followed by a Roman numeral to indicate what version it is–for example, Mark IV is the fourth suit he made.
Each one of Iron Man’s suits was slightly different from the last as improvements and changes were made. Some of the suits were made purely for experimental purposes and, as such, were not highly functional.
Iron Man was known for changing suits frequently–at least once in each MCU movie he appeared in. In the comics, he upgraded to a new suit even more often. He made dozens of suits throughout his lifetime.
Most of these suits were made from a variety of materials. The materials he used the most were steel, titanium, and gold alloys. This combination of metals made Iron Man’s suits exceptionally strong, powerful, and cold-resistant.
Vibranium vs. Iron Man’s Suits: Side-By-Side Comparison
We can see from the above descriptions that both vibranium and Iron Man’s suits were extremely strong. But how does their strength stack up against each other? How do they compare in other ways?
Take a look at the side-by-side comparisons below.
1. Strength
The most obvious criterion for comparing vibranium and Iron Man’s suits is their respective strength. We want to know which one is strongest–which one is most likely to protect the wearer in a fight.
Vibranium is strong enough to stop bullets, and it can absorb an incredible amount of kinetic energy. A suit made of vibranium, such as the one Black Panther wears, can protect against all kinds of impacts, making the wearer almost as indestructible as the suit itself.
Iron Man’s suits evolved quite a bit during his time as a superhero. Though some fans argue that his latest and most advanced suits were stronger than vibranium, this is mostly a matter of opinion.
They protected him in numerous battles, but they almost always sustained damage that necessitated a replacement suit. So, in terms of overall strength, vibranium wins out over Iron Man’s suits.
2. Durability
Brute strength is one thing, but can a material maintain that level of strength over a long period of repeated abuse? Vibranium may be stronger than Iron Man’s suits, but is it more durable?
As mentioned above, vibranium is practically indestructible. While it can explode if too much kinetic energy is directed at it, the amount of energy needed to cause this is almost unheard of.
A suit of vibranium can absorb lethal amounts of energy again and again, protecting its wearer battle after battle.
Meanwhile, Iron man’s suits didn’t appear to be very durable at all–they kept getting damaged or destroyed, which is why he had to keep replacing them. Though they could keep him alive in a battle, they often sustained irreparable damage in the process.
With this in mind, vibranium is much more durable than even the strongest of Iron Man’s suits.
3. Powers
Because of its mutagenic properties, vibranium gives people unique powers and abilities. These include enhanced speed, strength, and athleticism, as well as enhanced abilities to use magic.
It also allows the wearer to deliver more powerful kicks and punches due to the release of stored kinetic energy.
Iron Man’s suits give Tony Stark enhanced abilities of his own. These powers and abilities are extremely diverse and can vary based on which suit he happens to be wearing at the time.
Some of the powers include increased strength, flying, wound-healing capabilities, X-ray vision, built-in weapons, and the ability for Iron Man to control the suit using only his mind.
Given the incredible abilities Iron Man’s suits grant him, they easily win out over vibranium in this category.
4. Cost
As mentioned above, vibranium is extremely expensive. A single gram costs $10,000, so you can imagine how much it would cost to create an entire suit out of the stuff.
Of course, Iron Man didn’t create a single suit, but a steady stream of them. Given the various technologies they comprise, not to mention the amount of gold used in them, Iron Man’s suits would undoubtedly get very expensive over time.
That said, in terms of cost efficiency, Iron Man’s suits still win out here. If you compare the cost to create one suit of vibranium vs. one of Iron Man’s suits, the vibranium one would be infinitely more expensive.
Comparison Table
| Which is Stronger? | Vibranium |
| Which is More Durable? | Vibranium |
| Which is More Powerful? | Iron Man’s Suits |
| Which is More Cost-Efficient? | Iron Man’s Suits |
Conclusion
Though Iron Man’s suits give him a wide variety of powers and abilities, his suits cannot compare with the strength and durability of vibranium.
A suit of vibranium would also cost significantly more to make than one of Iron Man’s suits.
Sarah Hood is a freelance content writer and editor with a love for all things Star Wars. When she’s not writing, she enjoys cooking, singing, and spending time in the great outdoors.