What is the Difference Between a Transmission and an Engine?
2 Answers
Transmissions and engines differ in nature and function. Below are the specific details: Different in nature: The engine is the power source of a car. Most car engines are thermal power devices, referred to as thermal engines for short. The transmission changes the transmission ratio, expanding the torque and speed range of the driving wheels. The car engine is the device that provides power to the car, serving as the heart of the vehicle, determining its power, fuel efficiency, stability, and environmental performance. Depending on the power source, car engines can be categorized into diesel engines, gasoline engines, electric vehicle motors, hybrids, etc. Different in function: The transmission can change the transmission ratio, expanding the range of torque and speed variations of the driving wheels. The engine is the device that provides power to the car.
When I first bought a car, I couldn't tell the difference between the transmission and the engine either. Later, a friend explained it to me. Simply put, the engine is the heart of the entire car. It burns gasoline or diesel to generate power, just like how a person needs to eat to run. The transmission, on the other hand, is like a gear system responsible for adjusting the power output from the engine and transmitting it to the wheels, allowing the car to start smoothly or speed up quickly. For example, when starting slowly, the transmission downshifts to provide more torque, while at high speeds, it upshifts to save fuel. The difference is huge: the engine only generates power, but the transmission fine-tunes that power. If the engine fails, the car won't start; if the transmission fails, the car can start but won't move or will experience jerky gear shifts. I also learned how they work together—for instance, in heavy traffic, the transmission constantly shifts gears to protect the engine, while at high-speed cruising, both operate efficiently. Maintenance is separate too: the engine needs oil changes, and the transmission requires periodic replacement of specialized fluid. Remembering this can make driving safer and prevent minor issues from turning into major repairs.
