What is the difference between AMT transmission and manual-automatic transmission?

[ConnorFitz]

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.

[LandonLynn]

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.

[DiClaire]

After working in the repair shop for a long time, I realized there's quite a difference between these two transmissions. The AMT structure is similar to a manual transmission, just with an added electronic shifting mechanism, but its clutch plates wear out easily and need replacement every 2-3 years in city driving. The automatic manual transmission (with planetary gear sets) relies on transmission fluid to transfer power, offering quiet and smooth gear shifts. AMTs are simpler and cheaper to repair—minor issues can be fixed yourself—but they have noticeable jerks during shifts. Automatic manuals require dropping the transmission for repairs, which is time-consuming and costly. For heavy loads or hill climbing, AMTs deliver more power; for daily family use, automatic manuals are more hassle-free since they mean fewer trips to the repair shop.

[LaLogan]

My car-modding buddy told me that AMT retains the mechanical feel of a manual transmission, with quick RPM response during downshift rev-matching, making it great for mountain runs and corner carving. When opened up, it's essentially a regular manual gearbox with hydraulic actuators - lightweight and easy to modify. The planetary gear structure in traditional automatics is heavier, but their shift logic is smarter, offering smoothness that crushes AMT. However, AMT can have its shift speed tuned via ECU flashing, and some racing sequential gearboxes are essentially reinforced AMTs. I've tried manual mode on AMT - the shifts are slightly slower than a true manual, so automatic mode is still more worry-free for daily driving.