What is the difference between MT and CVT?
2 Answers
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.
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.
