What do large CVT and small CVT mean?

[OViolet]

They refer to large and small transmissions. Here are the specific details: 1. Transmission: CVT stands for a type of automotive transmission, also known as a continuously variable transmission. CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), directly translated, means continuous variable transmission, which is a stepless gearbox. As the name suggests, it does not have specific fixed gears. In operation, it is similar to an automatic transmission, but the change in speed ratio differs from the gear-shifting process of an automatic transmission; instead, it is continuous, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted power delivery. 2. System Composition: This system mainly includes the driving pulley set, driven pulley set, metal belt, and hydraulic pump, among other basic components. The metal belt consists of two metal rings and hundreds of metal pieces. Both the driving pulley set and the driven pulley set are composed of movable discs and fixed discs. The side of the pulley close to the cylinder can slide on the shaft, while the other side is fixed. Both the movable and fixed discs have a conical structure, forming V-shaped grooves that mesh with the V-shaped metal transmission belt. The power output from the engine's output shaft is first transmitted to the driving pulley of the CVT, then through the V-shaped transmission belt to the driven pulley, and finally to the wheels via the reducer and differential to drive the car. During operation, the axial movement of the movable discs of the driving and driven pulleys changes the working radius where the conical surfaces of the driving and driven pulleys mesh with the V-shaped transmission belt, thereby altering the transmission ratio. The axial movement of the movable discs is controlled by the driver through the system, adjusting the hydraulic pressure in the cylinders of the driving and driven pulleys as needed. Since the working radii of the driving and driven pulleys can be continuously adjusted, stepless speed variation is achieved.

[StLane]

Actually, it's just a colloquial term for a car mechanic. Large CVTs generally refer to transmissions installed in vehicles with large displacement and heavy bodies, such as those above 2.0 liters or used in SUVs. They are powerful and can withstand stronger engine output, making them less prone to slipping at high speeds. Small CVTs are usually installed in economical compact cars like 1.5-liter or 1.6-liter models, which are very fuel-efficient and particularly suitable for stop-and-go city driving conditions. However, if you frequently floor the accelerator or drive fully loaded up hills, they are prone to overheating warnings and have a shorter lifespan. When choosing a car, you need to consider your driving habits.

[EverettLynn]

My understanding is that it depends on the torque limit the transmission can handle. Large CVTs have wider steel belts inside and stronger pulleys, capable of handling torque outputs above 300 N·m, with the Altima's setup being a typical example. Small CVTs max out at around 200 N·m, like those used in the Fit and Sylphy. The difference is quite noticeable when driving—large CVTs don't make the engine scream as much during hill climbs or acceleration, while small CVTs often see a sudden spike in RPM during hard acceleration. Don't believe those extreme stress tests online; small CVTs in family cars really can't handle prolonged aggressive driving.

[LaAriana]

You'll understand the difference once you've driven both models. The larger CVT maintains more stable engine sound during rapid acceleration without annoying buzzing, and rarely triggers overheating protection on long uphill climbs. Smaller CVTs are more cost-effective and indeed fuel-efficient for city commuting. But once when I was driving fully loaded with AC on mountain switchbacks, the dashboard suddenly displayed a transmission overheating warning, forcing me to pull over for cooling. Now I prioritize checking steel belt width specifications when car shopping.

[DiAubrey]

Auto repair shops have the clearest view of failure rates. Owners of small CVTs often complain about acceleration slippage, especially after 100,000 kilometers when the steel belt wears and stretches, requiring the entire transmission to be disassembled for replacement, with labor costs alone reaching 2,000 yuan. For large CVTs, the main issues are usually with the valve body, which can be fixed by replacing a small component. Previously, it was thought that all CVTs were delicate, but now it's understood that the key lies in the materials used—even a slight difference in torque capacity can result in a several-fold difference in lifespan. After the facelifted Qashqai switched to reinforced steel belts, complaints have significantly decreased.

[JoshuaLynn]

An experienced auto parts market technician taught me to pay attention to details: Large CVT oil pans are mostly made of aluminum alloy with densely packed cooling fins, requiring specialized circulation machines for oil changes. Small CVTs often have plastic oil pans where gravity oil changes suffice, but they're prone to metal shavings residue. Last time when helping a friend shop for a used car, I noticed that among Japanese cars, models with large CVTs commanded 3,000-5,000 yuan higher resale values than small CVT models and sold faster too - durability truly impacts residual value.