What is the Cost Difference Between AT and CVT?
2 Answers
Cvt has a simple structure, stable performance, and is cheaper to manufacture, with a cost difference of about five to six thousand between the two. The differences between CVT and AT are as follows: 1. Different fuel consumption: AT transmissions consume more fuel, while CVT offers better fuel economy. 2. Different advantages: CVT's advantages include a simple structure, compact size, fuel efficiency, and smooth operation, whereas AT's advantages are mature technology, good product stability, and the ability to transmit high torque. 3. Different shifting experiences: CVT provides a very smooth driving experience without any gear shift jerks, while AT shifts slower and the transmission consumes more power.
As a seasoned driver with over a decade of experience who has owned several vehicles with different transmissions, I can share insights on the cost differences between AT and CVT transmissions. The primary distinctions lie in purchase price and maintenance costs. When buying a new car, AT transmissions are generally slightly cheaper, often by a few thousand yuan, because CVT technology is more complex with finer manufacturing components. However, in daily use, CVTs offer better fuel efficiency, potentially saving 1-2 liters per 100 kilometers. Long-term maintenance costs for ATs tend to be lower due to their simpler structure and easier part replacements. In contrast, CVT repairs can be costly—if the pulley system fails, you might need to replace the entire assembly, which can run into thousands. My previous CVT car required a nearly 5,000-yuan repair due to belt issues, whereas AT maintenance is much cheaper, often just requiring fluid changes. Overall, CVTs save fuel in the short term but carry higher repair risks, so the choice depends on your budget and the specific vehicle.
