What is the Difference Between Automatic Transmission and CVT?

[AvaAnn]

The reasons for a car's steering wheel being stiff are: 1. The valve in the steering gear is stuck when turning; 2. Insufficient tire pressure; 3. The brake light control harness is detached, and the wire wraps around the steering column when turning; 4. The bearing fit is too tight; 5. Malfunction in the steering gear or power steering pump. More details are as follows: 1. The steering wheel is a wheel-shaped device used to control the direction of cars, ships, and airplanes. Its function is to convert the force applied by the driver on the edge of the steering wheel into torque, which is then transmitted to the steering shaft. It mainly consists of a skeleton, foam, and the main driver's airbag. 2. The steering wheel is connected to the steering shaft via splines and can be categorized into single-spoke, double-spoke, triple-spoke, and four-spoke designs. Cars typically use triple-spoke or four-spoke steering wheels.

[BeckettFitz]

I've just driven both types of cars. The automatic transmission feels like an old friend is shifting gears for you—you can sense the gear changes, and the engine RPM jumps a bit, especially during acceleration when you get that jerkiness, which can actually feel quite thrilling at times. But the CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) is completely different. It uses a pulley and belt system with no fixed gears, allowing the engine RPM to stay steady. The car drives incredibly smoothly with no sign of shifting, though the engine might roar a bit when you step on the gas, almost like it's revving in neutral. The practical differences are quite significant: automatic transmissions are more traditional and reliable, making them great for mountain roads or towing. CVTs save a lot of fuel in city driving, though they might feel a tad weaker during hard acceleration. Over time, you'll notice that CVTs are quieter at low speeds, making them a fantastic choice for daily commutes.

[LaOlive]

From a technical perspective, automatic transmissions operate using planetary gears and torque converters, featuring multiple fixed gear ratios that can simulate manual shifting logic. Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs), on the other hand, utilize dual pulleys and a steel belt for stepless ratio changes, allowing separate control of engine speed and vehicle speed. In terms of efficiency, CVTs offer better fuel economy on flat roads and adapt well to varying speeds. However, automatic transmissions respond faster during speed transitions with less power loss. Personally, I believe CVTs are more intelligently designed, aligning with eco-friendly goals, though their complex structure may pose maintenance challenges. In future electric vehicles, CVTs may gain popularity for optimizing battery efficiency.

[ArielDella]

From a cost-saving perspective, I would choose a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) car because it offers 10% to 20% lower daily fuel consumption and provides smooth acceleration in urban areas, saving a significant amount on fuel costs. However, automatic transmissions are more durable, with fewer shifting component issues and lower maintenance costs. The practical difference is that automatic transmissions have noticeable gear shifts, and fuel consumption may increase when oil temperatures rise; CVTs offer stepless adjustment with constant RPM, but their belt systems are slightly more expensive. From a practical standpoint, CVTs are more economical for daily commutes, while automatic transmissions provide greater peace of mind for long-distance travel without overheating concerns. I recommend test-driving both to compare, as the differences in fuel consumption and costs are significant—choose based on your personal needs.