External signs:
* Gear selector:
* Automatic transmission: The gear shift lever usually has a serrated or shaped gate that restricts the movement of the lever.
* CVT: The gearshift lever can move infinitely, allowing the driver to select any gear ratio within a set range.
* Switching modes:
* Automatic transmission: usually has fixed shift modes such as P (park), R (reverse), N (neutral), D (forward) and possibly other letters or numbers indicating lower gears.
* CVT: often has a more limited range of shift modes, such as P, R, N and D, but may also have an additional ‘sport’ or ‘manual’ mode.
Driving Feel:
* Gear change:
* Automatic transmission: noticeable jolts or jerks are felt when changing gears.
* CVT: gear shifting occurs smoothly and imperceptibly, without any shock.
* Engine sound:
* Automatic transmission: The engine sound may change when changing gears as the engine speed changes intermittently.
* CVT: The engine sound can remain approximately constant, even as vehicle speed changes, because the gear ratio is smoothly adjusted.
* Reaction to pressing the accelerator pedal:
* Automatic transmission: when you press the accelerator pedal, the car reacts instantly, since the gear ratio is fixed.
* CVT: Vehicle response can be more gradual as the gear ratio changes according to load and speed.
Specifications:
* Design:
* Automatic transmission: a mechanical system with a set of gears connected by clutch packs.
* CVT: a mechanical or hydromechanical system with a variable transmission ratio, consisting of two pulleys connected by a belt or chain.
* Number of gears:
* Automatic transmission: has a fixed number of gears.
* CVT: has an infinite number of gear ratios within a set range.
Additional signs:
* Fuel consumption: CVTs are usually more economical than automatic transmissions.
* Service life: CVTs may have a shorter service life than automatic transmissions.
*Service Cost: Servicing CVTs can be more expensive than automatic transmissions.