Most motorists, even before buying a car, have already decided whether to choose a variator or automatic machine, or perhaps even prefer a mechanic. However, sometimes there are still difficulties in choosing. It’s worth the question, which gearbox is better? It is important to note that the variator appeared not so long ago, due to which its operational shortcomings are not well known. However, a continuously variable robotic transmission has many advantages.
The advantages of an automatic transmission include reduced fuel consumption, an affordable transmission price, and low maintenance costs. The disadvantages are usually allocated low speed and smooth switching.
Robotic transmission is considered the most successful solution. It is installed in the BMW M-Series. It is based on a six-speed gearbox, where shifting by hydraulics and the clutch system are disabled.
The advantages of the variator are high smoothness and switching speed, moderate fuel consumption. The disadvantages are the high cost of the transmission system itself and the high cost of its subsequent maintenance.
Such a box is an infinitely variable transmission system, which is based on a very simple principle - torque transfers force to a rubber belt stretched on bevel disks, which makes it possible to form belt pulleys . When deciding whether a CVT or automatic, it is important to know about the biggest drawback of the first - the lack of reverse and neutral gears. This can be a significant obstacle for some to choose.
CVT: principle of operation
The variator is based on a transmission mechanism, the function of which is to connect the wheels and the engine. It can be equipped with a drive, which consists of a screw and a caterpillar. When working with such a drive, a smooth transformation of the rotation speed of the disks of both the master and the slave is usually obtained. Different devices have long used similar mechanisms.
When deciding whether to choose a variator or automatic machine, you should know about the pros and cons of the first. Let's talk about the good points first. The car in which the variator is installed moves smoothly, while there are no twitches or jumps. As the speed increases, a slight noise appears, becoming louder. Such a car easily overtakes more powerful cars, which is associated with the saving of time, which usually takes to switch gears. When lifting, such a car does not roll back, and does not stall at the traffic light.
Under any circumstances, machines with a variator begin to move very smoothly, without loading the transmission. Driving the car as convenient as possible, as it contains only two pedals.
In such cars, the engine sound is very smooth, with an increase in speed, no loud sounds are heard. All this was made possible exclusively thanks to special electronics that stabilize the load on the engine. We can say that a car with a CVT has a lot of advantages, and the most important of them is fuel economy, as well as the possibility of a forced start.
However, this gearbox also has disadvantages. Cars with engines of significant power are not equipped with variators. The transmission must be filled with a special fluid, and the one that was merged with another gearbox is not suitable here, as is allowed in the case of an automatic transmission. The operation of the variator is impossible without the use of many sensors, including a pressure sensor, speed and others.
In general, when deciding what to choose, a CVT or automatic, it is worth relying primarily on whether you are ready to switch to a fundamentally new principle of driving a car.