What is the difference between D gear and S gear?
2 Answers
Here are the differences between D gear and S gear: 1. Different definitions: D gear stands for "Drive", representing the forward gear; S gear stands for "Sports", representing the sports gear. 2. Different responses: when driving in S gear, suddenly stepping on the accelerator will result in a quick response; when shifting up in D gear, the response speed is relatively gentle and requires a bit of waiting. 3. Different fuel consumption: while pursuing speed advantages, S gear also squeezes the output of power, resulting in higher fuel consumption; when in D gear, the transmission will switch between gears 1 to 4 based on speed and throttle conditions, belonging to the ordinary driving gear with lower fuel consumption. 4. Different power: S gear has strong power and is generally switched to when overtaking or climbing slopes; when operating in D gear, the engine power is minimal, used for driving on ordinary roads.
I found that the biggest difference between D mode and S mode lies in the driving experience and applicable scenarios. D mode is the standard driving gear in automatic transmissions. After starting the car, you generally use it, as the computer automatically adjusts the shifting timing to prioritize smoothness and fuel efficiency. It's particularly suitable for daily commuting or driving in congested cities, making things much more hassle-free. S mode, on the other hand, is the sport mode. Engaging it raises the engine RPM higher and makes gear shifts more aggressive, with immediate power response when you step on the accelerator. It makes the car feel more powerful when overtaking or climbing hills, delivering a more thrilling drive. However, S mode consumes more fuel, and prolonged use can wear out engine components. It's great for highway driving or weekend joyrides, but not worth the extra fuel cost for daily commutes. I've tested it—using D mode normally, a full tank can last around 500 kilometers, but with S mode, it drops to just over 400 kilometers. In short, the choice depends on road conditions and mood, but safety and fuel efficiency should always come first.