CVT vs AMT vs Manual Car - Which One Should You Choose?

Transmission or gearbox is one of the crucial vehicle components that transmit the power generated by the vehicle's engine to move its wheels. There are primarily three types of transmission – manual, automatic and CVT or continuously variable transmission. Choosing the right transmission type is also an important determining factor while purchasing a new car.

Are you confused about which type of transmission is the best to provide you with superior driving performance?

If yes, keep reading this blog as it summarises the working mechanism and comparison between CVT, automatic and manual, so that you make an informed choice.

Manual transmission or gearbox is manually handled by a driver while steering a car. Most vehicles are equipped with this type of transmission that plies on Indian roads.

As a driver, you can operate manual transmission by shifting the clutch pedal, gear lever, and acceleration pedal to channelise the power from engine to gearbox. The gearbox transmits this power to wheels to move the vehicle.

When you press the clutch pedal, it activates the friction clutch, which disengages the engine and the transmission. The clutch pedal, engine, and transmission operate separately, allowing you to shift gears and draw the power to transfer it to the vehicle's wheels.

If you select a lower gear ratio, it provides higher torque and lower acceleration. Similarly, if you choose higher gear ratios, it offers lower torque and higher acceleration. These ratios are also known as 'speeds.' That is why you can find '6-speed gearbox' mentioned as a car's technical specification because a gearbox allows a car's engine to transmit the power to wheels at variable speed levels.

An automatic transmission utilises the mechanical components to shift gears automatically. You do not need to use a clutch or gear lever except the accelerator pedal and change the gear to the 'D' mode. This is the driving mode, and the gearbox will automatically shift gears to drive the vehicle.

The planetary gear set is the primary component of an automatic transmission, and it produces different gear ratios to transfer the power to the car's wheels. The automatic gearbox liquid activates gear ratios and clutch, which cools and lubricates the functioning parts and helps move the vehicle.

CVT or continuously variable transmission features one variable gear and utilises a belt or pulley to change speeds.

Unlike AMT, the CVT system utilises two pulleys instead of using gears. The diameters of these pulleys are inconsistent, and a belt or a chain connects them. The one end of a chain or belt connects them to the engine, and the other connects them to wheels.

As the pulleys move and come in contact with each other, the chain or a belt becomes high, and the pulleys' diameters become large and vice versa.

When the output pullet becomes large, and the input one becomes small, it provides a lower ratio. Now, when a car accumulates momentum and starts to accelerate, the diameters of pulleys change to reduce the engine speed (revolutions per minute or RPM) for a comfortable driving experience. Alternatively, it increases the engine speed (RPM) to overtake traffic-infested roads seamlessly.

If you wonder which is better among manual, automatic transmission, and CVT, it is essential to understand that choosing the correct transmission type is subjective. Each individual has different preferences. 

For example, if you are a beginner in driving and will predominantly travel in the city, and purchasing cost and mileage are not your priority, automatic cars are ideal choices. Besides, it also attracts a higher resale value in the used car market.

Thus, selecting the best transmission type depends on the preferences of car enthusiasts. Go through a comparison between manual, automatic and CVT as mentioned above to choose the one that fits your requirement.