Tiptronic
* Automatic transmission system with manual gear shift option.
* Provides both automatic and manual transmission control modes.
* Typically has a gear shift lever with traditional positions (P, R, D, N, L), as well as buttons or paddle shifters for manual gear shifting.
Automatic transmission (AT)
* Transmission in which gear shifting is carried out exclusively in automatic mode.
* Controlled by an electronic control unit (ECU) based on speed, engine speed and accelerator pedal position.
* Typically has a gear lever with simpler positions (P, R, D, N) and no manual shift mode.
Main differences:
*Manual control: Tiptronic allows the driver to change gears manually, while the automatic only operates in automatic mode.
* Steering wheel controls: Tiptronics often have paddle shifters or buttons on the steering wheel for easy manual gear shifting, something that conventional automatic transmissions do not have.
*Torque Converter Lockup: Tiptronics typically have a torque converter lockup for more efficient power transfer when driving at higher speeds or under load.
* Increased driver involvement: Tiptronic gives the driver greater control over the transmission, which can be useful in situations that require precise control, such as sport driving or off-road driving.
* Fuel consumption: Some tiptronic transmissions may be slightly less fuel efficient than fully automatic transmissions due to the additional loss of power when shifting manually.
In conclusion, tiptronic is a type of automatic transmission that offers manual control of the gears, while a regular automatic transmission operates exclusively in automatic mode. Tiptronic provides increased driver involvement and control, but may be less fuel efficient and not as convenient as a conventional automatic.