So, what a difference this three types of transmission? It turns out they are very different from one another even though the same had the letters P, R, N and D in the gear lever. what is the difference among this three automatic transmission system?
Automatic transmission torque converter
We start with the most conventional. Automatic transmission with torque converter has a major component in the form of planetary gear unit (planetary gear), hydraulic control unit and of course the torque converter. Generally, automatic transmission uses a wet clutch version aka wet clutch and is operated by the torque converter to increase the torque on the engine. When it reaches a certain rotation and time to shift gears, the computer will send the torque converter to work to shift gears.
Generally, the computer can read the automatic transmission driving situations from the way we stepped on the gas. For example, when driving relaxed we will realize that at 3,000 rpm's gear had shifted, but when driving aggressively or during acceleration, the computer will select a lower gear so that we can get a great power and high engine speed. With the presence of a manual mode in modern automatic transmission, engine braking problem can be eliminated.
The advantages of this type of transmission is likely to be easier to maintain than a CVT or a dual clutch. Especially for the enthusiastic driver, the automatic transmission is generally still have a jolt as we do acceleration that feeling and performance while driving is more pronounced.
While shortcomings, because there is still a jolt as shift gears, the automatic transmission is generally not as comfortable and smooth as a CVT. Talk about weight components, it is lighter than a dual clutch but still heavier than the CVT. This transmission is also more wasteful fuel than a CVT or a dual clutch in a state of standstill or when stuck in traffic jam, because the torque converter continues to spin while the car in brakes so we did not go forward. That is why is recommend, if possible, try to move gear into position N to prevent more wasted fuel.
A few car that using the automatic transmission torque converter is: the Toyota Yaris, Honda Jazz GE8 (second generation), Suzuki Ertiga, Mazda 2, Chevrolet Spin, Daihatsu Sirion, and much more.
CVT (Continously Variable Transmission)
CVT is very smooth and soft transmission when used to drive than a regular automatic transmission which generally still have a jolt, while the CVT is very smooth, and generally more fuel efficient when the car is in good health. How did it happen?
The secret is, because the CVT has no gears at all. There is no set of gear that resides in the transmission box. Instead, there are two pulleys connected by a belt, one pulley gets power from the engine while others pulley will work turning the wheel. The second diameter pulleys can grow and shrink depending on the needs of the driver.
Because no gears, the number of gear ratio in the CVT practically unlimited. Therefore when they want to embed the manual mode, manufacturers can incorporate any number of teeth that they would virtually. For example, if in the Mitsubishi Delica CVT has 6 speed, in the first-generation Honda Jazz CVT-it has a 7-speed. Just like a regular automatic transmission, CVT also has a sports mode for more assertive characters such as on the new Nissan Grand Livina.
Excess use of CVT in a car is more refined and comfortable as it has no jolt as a result of shifting like other automatic transmissions. By weight, the CVT is the lightest because the number of components not as much as dual-clutch or torque converter. CVT production cost is also the cheapest. Vehicle with CVT have high fuel-efficient, because they have the ability to keep the engine does not always play at high speed.
CVT Weakness is don’t have quick acceleration like regular automatic transmission. Power from the engine may not be fully channeled to the wheels, which is generally caused by slippage of the friction of CVT belt and pulleys. Because of these deficiencies, almost no racing cars or supercars use CVT transmission, because power lost its fairly high.
CVT is also less suitable for a powerful engine, and therefore a few years ago we rarely see cars with 2,000 cc wearing a CVT transmission. But Now, when belt CVT technology is getting better, especially in terms of durability, many manufacturers are using it in more than 2,000 cc engine, such as the Subaru Forester STI and Nissan X-Trail.
CVT can be found in two-wheeled vehicle like scooter matic, while for the car, we can find it in the Subaru XV, Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, Nissan X-Trail, Toyota Alphard and Vellfire, Suzuki Swift Sport and others. Keep in mind, most of the CVT technology patents holders is Subaru.
Dual clutch transmission / dual clutch
Here it is the latest automatic transmission technology. As the name, this transmission has two clutch are ready for operation to assist the engine drive the wheels. Call it clutch A and B in the 6-speed dual clutch transmission, the clutch A is prepared to serve 1,3,5 and reverse gear, the clutch B is designed to work in the gear 2,4 and 6.
for example, When the clutch A are working in 1st gear, the clutch B is ready together with 2nd gear until the computer commands to change gear. There are two types of clutch use in the dual clutch transmission, wet clutch and dry clutch. Both have different needs and goals, but a dry clutch transmission is simpler and cheaper than the wet clutch.
Advantages of the dual clutch transmission is able to shift gears very quickly and smooth, for example, Ferrari F430 Scuderia can change gears in just 55 milliseconds. In addition, the transmission performance is also considered the most responsive than the torque converter or even a CVT. This is why a sports car or supercar chosen to use a dual clutch.
While shortcomings, this transmission construction is very complicated because of the number of components very much. Its weight is the heaviest compared to regular automatic or a CVT. Moreover, in some cases, the cost of dual clutch transmission repair rather expensive and long. In other conditions, the double-clutch transmission has the characteristics of type dry clutch judder-ndutan ndut alias when used in a stalled condition and easy to heat. However, these shortcomings disappear in type dual clutch transmission with wet clutch.
While the weakness of this transmission, this transmission construction is very complicated because of the number of components very much. Its weight is the heaviest compared to regular automatic or a CVT. in some cases, the cost of dual clutch transmission repair rather expensive and it took a long time. In other conditions, the double-clutch transmission-type dry clutch has the characteristic stuttering when used in traffic jam conditions and easy to get heat. However, these shortcomings are not encountered on type dual clutch transmission with wet clutch.
Examples of cars that use dual-clutch transmission is the Ford Fiesta, the Ford EcoSport, Examples of cars that use dual-clutch transmission is the Ford Fiesta, the Ford EcoSport, Mitsubishi Lancer Evoluton X, Nissan GT-R, Porsche 911, Lamborghini Huracan, BMW M series, the VW Golf GTi and others. Holders of a majority of patents on the dual clutch transmission technology is the Volkswagen from Germany.
Thus the advantages and disadvantages of the transmission torque converter, CVT and double clutch. Which is the best? The answer is: it's all good. All have advantages and disadvantages of each. Happy Driving
