Wonder yourself: Is CVT worth it when compared to AMT?

Updated Aug 29, 2019 | Same topic: Let's Drive Smart!

What do you think if Philkotse says that CVT overweighs AMT gearboxes, and what is your opinion? Keep reading to know more!

Cars bought have a variety of gearboxes to choose from. Several of these is the popular Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) or Automatic Manual Transmission (AMT) which are some of the newer types that are used in cars.

Getting your first car or replacing an old one and is CVT worth it when compared to AMT? Here are several kinds of gearboxes that you’ll encounter when choosing what specific car is in mind. Is it the usual manual or automatic drivetrain to choose from or maybe these two newer drive trains? Let's find out with Philkotse.com right now!

Is CVT worth it when compared to AMT?

Getting your first car or replacing an old one and is CVT worth it when compared to AMT?

One of these options is the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) or Automatic Manual Transmission (AMT) which are in use with cars today. Both have similarities and differences with the usual MT or AT gearboxes that used to be the options available.

These newer gearboxes feature changes and innovations that are incorporated into transmission systems that are simpler to use.

Older drivers would know that AT is easy to use and MT is for the expert drivers who’ll juice out every ounce of power from the gears! Older gearboxes are mostly mechanical or automatically shifting with hydraulics when compared to CVT or AMT that is computer-controlled with advanced features too.

Modern transmissions or gearboxes are easier to use because the timing of the gear shifts is automatic and instant. Novice drivers are relieved of the guessing game that came with older MT or AT gearboxes.

AMT vs CVT vs DSG Which is Better Pros and Cons Explained

1. What is a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) gearbox and how does it work?

Anyone who has not driven a car with CVT will find it very different than the usual AT type gearbox. Let us go through the pros and cons to know how well it stacks!

Let's understand how CVT works

Advantages of CVT

Better power is gained per shift and maximized

The technologically precise CVT gearbox handles and keeps power at its peak! No power is lost because gear shifting is precise and controlled.

Fuel economy is optimized for the better

One of the benefits of computer control fuel injection with properly timed shifting is the maximization of fuel to the last drop. CVT is an economical gearbox that is better for fuel efficiency and consumption, especially for city driving.

Simpler engine design with less moving parts

Designed with less moving parts for better mechanical efficiency with just cones and pulleys without expensive planetary gears is better. Ordinary AT or MT will be more complex by far.

CVT

Designed with less moving parts for better mechanical efficiency with just cones and pulleys

>>> Read more: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) vs. Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT): Which is better?

The lighter weight is an advantage for cars with this

Most cars with CVT are subcompacts, small crossovers and compact sedans that benefit from the lighter engine installed.

Faster shifting compared to older AT or MT gearboxes

Get faster and crisper shifting that’s ECU controlled, also done on the fly for fast gear shifting. Usual shift lag is less and is more responsive by far!

Disadvantages of CVT

Some just hate how it sounds when running

Some drivers hate the broken sounding noise with the engine is running. This gearbox is programmed with noises, and it behaves differently.

>>> This is how to deal with faulty fan belts in car engine and their squeaking sound.

Simulated gears result in loud shifting noises, unlike AT or MT

CVT engines will have problems at high RPMs with wild revs during speeding up! Negatives are fake gear shock and noise that isn’t accurate feedback for the driver.

engine.

Some drivers hate the broken sounding noise with the engine is running

Not suited for high-performance driving or SUV off-roading

For all its advantages offered that is counter-weighted by poor off-roading and high-performance driving.  City driving is the best use and nothing more.

Costs a bit more to repair and maintain

This simple yet ECU controlled but the maintenance is complex despite the simple design!

2. How does the Automatic Manual Transmission (AMT) work in cars?

Why bother with the hassle of a clutch when Automatic Manual Transmission (AMT) does all the shifting without it! Overall an AMT offers the dual convenience of manual and automatic without the use of a clutch!

Automatic Manual Transmission, how does it work?

Advantages of AMT

Easy to use because of no-clutch driving convenience

Just like DCT that uses no-clutch shifting which is easy to use and is very convenient too! It won’t be so tiring as with using an MT.

Better fuel efficiency for every gear shift!

Get the best fuel efficiency with AMT that optimizes every gear shift from high to low. Timing is precise and engaging gears with efficiency as well!

automatic manual transmission

Get the best fuel efficiency with AMT that optimizes every gear shift from high to low

Dual driving modes are available for the driver to select from

Choose between two driving modes that will exploit the good attributes of this gearbox.

Costs significantly less to maintain than standard AT

Maintaining it will be less expensive with no working clutch mechanism.

Disadvantages of AMT

Shifting gears can be jerky at times

When shifting to manual mode there might be jerks, but not so much though. An auto-shift will have less though when using this gearbox.

Overtaking should be done in manual mode not automatic

AMT is not really made for speed and overtaking is faster with manual mode shifting selected.

Going uphill is a chore and needs to engage in the manual selection!

Cars with AMT will experience problems with uphill inclines when in auto mode. It is advised to use manual mode to stress the engine-less!

AMT

Cars with AMT will experience problems with uphill inclines when in auto mode

>>> You might want to read: Ending the controversial debate: Automatic or Manual Transmission?

3. Conclusion

What is the better gearbox between the two? When compared point by point is CVT worth it when compared to AMT in the long run. The characteristics of MT and AT rolled into one gearbox that is AMT. Having the plus of no-clutch shifting too. The use of CVT with a limitless combo of gear ratios with seamless shifting is a great draw for modern cars with it!

CVT

When compared point by point is CVT worth it when compared to AMT in the long run

Shifting without a clutch is also a good point for AMT that lessens tiring footwork too. Even though CVT offers optimal power with faster shifts which are better for incline will not be enough. Not having any actual sound or feedback to the driver is important because drivers need it!

Hearing and sensing the engine is a big part of driving. At the end of the day, both are good gearboxes and convenient especially in traffic!

Norjan Ismail Abbas

Norjan Ismail Abbas

Author

Norjan enjoys writing about various topics, and car is among them. Don't ever ask him which his most favorite car is since he has none. He believes each car is beautiful in its own way.

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