What are the differences between dry and wet dual-clutch systems?

[DiJackson]

Dry and wet dual-clutch systems differ in the following aspects: 1. Transmission efficiency: The structure of wet clutches is more complex, leading to higher energy loss. Consequently, wet dual-clutch transmissions have lower transmission efficiency, consuming more engine power and resulting in higher fuel consumption under otherwise identical conditions. 2. Response speed: Dry clutches transmit power through direct metal plate contact, providing more immediate power transfer with higher transmission ratios when plates are compressed. Wet clutches require oil as an intermediary, involving additional steps from driving plate acceleration to oil centrifugal force increase and then driven plate acceleration, resulting in slightly slower response. 3. Torque capacity: The metal friction plates in dry clutches cannot withstand excessive torque, as significant stress impacts can easily damage them. Therefore, dry clutches are only suitable for small-displacement, low-torque output vehicles. Some models even deliberately limit engine torque output in lower gears to protect the transmission clutch when using dry clutch systems.