Advantages and Disadvantages of CVT and AT Transmission, Which is Better?

Car engines continue to be developed along with changes and advancements in technology. Even for transmissions, which were originally divided into two types, namely manual and automatic, the list has now grown longer. For automatic transmissions alone, there are various types, such as CVT, AT, DCT, AMT, and so on.

Well, the most talked about and commonly used for automatic transmissions are usually CVT transmissions and AT. These two transmissions are usually compared to determine which one is better suited for your beloved vehicle.

To make it clearer and not confusing, you can take a look at the following explanation as a consideration for which transmission to use for your personal car. Let's dive right in!

CVT Transmission: Advantages and Disadvantages

CVT transmission, or continuously variable transmission, is indeed widely used because it is known for its smooth gear shifting. The absence of jolts makes drivers feel more comfortable compared to other transmissions.

The lack of jolts is because CVT transmissions do not have a gearbox, making the engine lighter. Besides the smoothness of the engine, gear shifting can also adjust to the engine's RPM.

Vehicles also do not need to use high RPM when accelerating because it does not affect the car's engine. Not only that, vehicles with CVT transmissions can also save fuel, you know!

Advantages of CVT Transmission

1. The acceleration is very smooth, so it is not felt when shifting gears.

2. Greater engine brake capability.

3. RPM does not need to be high for acceleration, thus saving fuel.

Disadvantages of CVT Transmission

1. Low acceleration, making it unsuitable for those who prefer high acceleration engines.

2. Oil changes must be done regularly to maintain the longevity of the transmission.

3. Can only be operated on smooth roads because it can disrupt the engine when passing through steep and hilly terrain.

4. Limited service locations, and when one component fails, the entire component must be replaced, which can be costly.

AT Transmission: Advantages and Disadvantages

AT transmission is indeed classified as an automatic transmission, but it is also conventional because some of its parts are still similar to conventional transmissions. This is because AT transmissions have 3 more complex components compared to CVT, namely torque converters, planetary gear set, and hydraulic control unit for gear shifting purposes.

What makes AT transmission similar to conventional transmission is the presence of torque converters that function like a clutch in conventional transmissions. The clutch shifting still needs to be managed semi-manually, unlike CVT transmissions that directly adjust to the engine's RPM.

Advantages of AT Transmission

1. Faster acceleration compared to the limited CVT transmission.

2. Easier to obtain replacement components when one of the transmission components fails, and can be replaced only on the damaged part.

3. Simpler maintenance.

Disadvantages of AT Transmission

1. Transmission model shifting must be done simultaneously for engine brake.

2. When shifting gears, the jolts are felt, making it slightly uncomfortable for the driver.

3. Fuel consumption is more wasteful compared to CVT transmission.

That is the difference between CVT and AT automatic transmissions that you can consider for which one to use. Certainly, both have their own advantages and disadvantages.

In addition to knowing the advantages and disadvantages of each transmission, to determine which transmission to use, you should also get to know your beloved vehicle better! This way, you will understand much more when it is applied to the car, ensuring it lasts longer and does not incur high repair costs.

Author: Nisa Maulan Shofa