What is the difference between CVT and automatic transmission?
2 Answers
The differences between CVT and automatic transmission are: 1. Different transmissions: CVT does not have a gearbox; automatic transmission has a gearbox. 2. Different meanings: CVT refers to a transmission system that can continuously obtain any transmission ratio within the speed range; automatic transmission means that the driver does not need to manually shift gears, and the vehicle will automatically select the appropriate gear based on the driving speed and traffic conditions. 3. Different driving effects: CVT is very smooth when automatically shifting gears while the car is moving forward, without any sudden jumps; automatic transmission makes the car's speed changes smooth, without the jerky feeling of traditional transmission gear shifts.
When I used to drive an automatic transmission car, I always felt a jerky sensation during gear shifts, as if the car was being tugged. After switching to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the acceleration became as smooth as ice skating, especially in city traffic where it's more seamless and quiet. The core difference lies in the fact that automatic transmissions have fixed gears like P, R, D, relying on gear shifts to transfer power, which causes the jerking. CVTs, on the other hand, have no gears and use a belt-and-pulley system for continuous speed variation, offering both fuel efficiency and smoothness. However, CVTs can be slightly slower to respond during cold starts in winter, while automatics are more reliable. From my daily driving experience, I've found that CVTs suit users who prioritize comfort, whereas automatics perform better in off-road conditions or when towing heavy loads. This has made me pay more attention to matching the car choice with my lifestyle habits. In short, the driving experience differs noticeably, so I recommend test-driving to feel the difference firsthand.
