What is the difference between AMT transmission and manual-automatic transmission?
2 Answers
Transmission is one of the important drivetrain components of a car, and its performance is a key parameter determining the vehicle's overall performance. Transmissions are mainly divided into manual transmissions and automatic transmissions. Among them, both AT and AMT belong to automatic transmissions. The specific differences between the two are as follows: 1. AT Transmission: The AT transmission consists of a valve body, oil pump, clutch, brake, one-way clutch, diaphragm spring, snap ring, steel plates, friction plates, large sun gear, small sun gear, planetary carrier, and ring gear. The structure of the AT transmission is complex and precise, and in actual vehicle installation, it needs to be connected to a torque converter. The AT-automatic transmission is mature in technology but has relatively higher fuel consumption. 2. AMT Transmission: The AMT transmission is essentially a manual transmission with automatic clutch and gear-shifting functions. Its structure is fundamentally the same as that of a traditional parallel-shaft manual transmission. The AMT transmission has relatively noticeable gear-shifting impacts (though advancements in electronic control technology have made gear-shifting actions and timing more precise, reducing the impact). It features a simple structure, high reliability, and ease of maintenance. Since it is essentially a manual transmission with added automatic clutch and gear-shifting mechanisms, it has more gear ratios, making it more adaptable to various complex working conditions. Ordinary AMT transmissions cannot amplify the input torque because they lack a torque converter. Only some heavy-duty transport vehicles, to cope with their specific working conditions, use AMT transmissions equipped with torque converters.
I've been driving for over a decade and have experience with both types of transmissions. AMT is essentially a manual transmission with computer control—it's truly fuel-efficient, has a simple structure, and cheap repairs, but it jerks badly during low-speed maneuvers, and sudden throttle inputs can make it lurch. The automatic transmission with manual mode is much more comfortable to drive; the torque converter makes gear shifts as smooth as butter, freeing up your right foot in traffic, and you can still switch to manual mode to downshift for overtaking on the highway. However, AT is significantly more expensive and costs more to maintain. If you often drive in the city, I'd definitely choose the automatic with manual mode; but if you're hauling cargo on long trips and looking to save money, AMT will suffice.
