Is the Engine More Important or the Transmission?
2 Answers
Engine is more important. Below are the reasons why the engine is more important than the transmission and the functions of the engine: Reasons why the engine is more important than the transmission: The engine is more crucial as it is the soul of a vehicle, the device that provides power to the car, the heart of the automobile, and its source of power. It determines the vehicle's performance, fuel efficiency, stability, and environmental friendliness. In contrast, if there is an issue with the transmission, it can be replaced. Functions of the engine: The engine converts the thermal energy of gasoline (or diesel) into mechanical energy by burning the fuel in a sealed cylinder, causing the gas to expand and push the pistons to perform work. Depending on the power source, automotive engines can be categorized into diesel engines, gasoline engines, electric motors for electric vehicles, and hybrid systems, among others.
Comparing the importance of an engine and a transmission is like debating whether the heart or blood vessels are more vital. Last year, my old car's engine seized up, leaving me stranded and needing a tow truck. Just last week, my neighbor's transmission started slipping, but the car could still crawl to the repair shop at a snail's pace. However, in terms of actual repair experiences, a major engine overhaul often costs over ten thousand yuan, while fixing a transmission valve body issue might only set you back a few thousand. That said, modern cars emphasize compatibility—for example, turbocharged engines pair best with dual-clutch transmissions for excitement, while CVTs work smoothly with naturally aspirated engines. If I had to choose, the engine determines the power ceiling, while the transmission affects driving refinement. You can't do without either.
