What is the difference between MT and CVT?

[LaStephen]

MT and CVT both refer to types of automotive transmissions, with the difference being that MT stands for manual transmission, while CVT is an automatic transmission. Below are the relevant introductions about MT and CVT: 1. MT: MT requires the driver to manually shift the gear lever (commonly known as the "gear stick") to change the gear engagement position inside the transmission, altering the gear ratio to enable the car to change speed. Most passenger car manual transmissions are four or five-speed stepped gear transmissions, usually equipped with synchronizers for smoother shifting and reduced noise. When operating a manual transmission, the clutch must be depressed to move the gear lever. 2. CVT: The gear ratio of a CVT is not a series of discrete steps but a continuous range of values, for example, it can vary from 3.455 all the way down to 0.85. The structure of a CVT is simpler than that of a traditional transmission, with a smaller size. It does not have the multiple gear pairs of a manual transmission or the complex planetary gear sets of an automatic transmission. Instead, it primarily relies on the primary and secondary pulleys and a metal belt to achieve stepless changes in the gear ratio.

[TaliaMarie]

I've been driving for twenty years, and manual transmission (MT) is truly addictive. It requires you to press the clutch and shift gears yourself—every action feels like a conversation with the car, full of sportiness. Driving an MT in city traffic can be tiring due to constant stop-and-go, but it’s much more exhilarating on highways or mountain roads. CVT is completely different—it has no fixed gears, gliding smoothly as if at a constant speed, with no jerks during acceleration and noticeable fuel efficiency. However, CVTs may overheat under high loads and have higher maintenance costs. Nowadays, I often drive a CVT, which suits daily commuting—effortless driving with less hassle—while MT is the choice for enthusiasts who crave the thrill of driving.

[RachelDella]

As a long-haul driver, I think the biggest differences between MT and CVT lie in driving feel and efficiency. Driving MT requires manual gear shifting, with each gear corresponding to a specific speed, and precise clutch operation during gear changes. It offers quick response when starting or overtaking but can be tiring. CVT doesn't have these issues; it uses a pulley system for continuous variable transmission, keeping the engine always at the optimal RPM, delivering smooth driving and fuel efficiency, especially friendly in traffic jams. However, MT is simpler to maintain and more durable, while CVT's components are more delicate, prone to damage and costly to replace. I recommend beginners use CVT for easier handling, while experienced drivers might prefer MT for excitement.

[ORylee]

I just got my driver's license, and learning to drive an MT was really tough. If I didn't coordinate the clutch and gear shift properly, the car would stall, and I was always nervous on the road. Switching to a CVT car is much more comfortable—just step on the gas to accelerate, no need to worry about gears, it's like gliding automatically. MT gives you full control of the car, offering more driving fun but it's tiring, while CVT is a blessing for lazy drivers—smooth, quiet, and fuel-efficient. CVT is convenient for short trips or city driving, while MT is better for weekend joyrides to experience the fun.

[Maria]

I mainly use the car to pick up and drop off my kids at school, and the CVT outperforms in both comfort and fuel efficiency. It doesn't have the gear-shifting impact of a manual transmission (MT), making starts and stops smoother and reducing motion sickness, while also offering lower fuel consumption to save on expenses. Although MT is reliable, it's more cumbersome to operate, especially when depressing the clutch at red lights. The downside of CVT is that it's less suitable for towing heavy loads or climbing mountain roads, whereas MT allows for precise power control and better performance. For daily family use, CVT is the more practical and preferable choice.