Advantages and disadvantages of a Continuously Variable Transmission when compared to a manual one?

Answer 1

The only real problem with hydraulic manual tramsmissions, is the "jerking" felt when clutch engages varying gear ratios. Another drawback, manual transmissions require a learning curve. A driver must develop a feel for properly engaging the clutch. Manual transmissions require more attention from the driver, by constantly having to select correct gear. This can be a real hassle in "stop and go" traffic.

Manual transmissions typically offer better fuel economy than automatics. Another advantage is mechanical efficiency. A manual transmission couples the engine to the transmission with a rigid clutch. Manual transmissions are still more efficient than belt-driven continuously-variable transmissions.

CVT's have much smoother operation. CVT's can smoothly compensate for changing vehicle speeds, allowing the engine speed to remain at its level of peak efficiency. In some cases, better fuel economy can be achieved over manual transmissions.

CVT's torque handling capability is limited by the strength of their belt or chain. Hydrostatic CVT's can generally transmit more torque, but are very sensitive to contamination. Some designs are also very expensive. Here different types of CVT's -

Simkins' Ratcheting CVT
Infinitely Variable Transmission (IVT)
Hydrostatic CVT
Ratcheting CVT
Hydristor IVT
Roller-based CVT
Variable-diameter pulley (VDP)

Answer 2

Manual Transmission Advantages

Answer 3

Well smoother acceleration is it's strong point with no jerk on gear change. It's kinda like have a 10 speed automatic transmission. Instead of 4 or 5 gear changes there's none. Because of it's design with few moving parts it may be more reliable.
A lot of people think this is a new innovation but there were cars in the early 1900's that had continuously variable drive systems and they worked.
The disadvantages may only be the difficulty in the precise manufacturing required and possible wear on the driven gears requiring more maintenance.

Answer 4

With Continuously Variable Transmission the engine speed does not vary as mush as normal transmission - but it is expensive to repair

Answer 5

IT IS A INFINITE GEAR TRANSMISSION. IT IS ALWAYS IN EXACTLY THE RIGHT GEAR BECAUSE IT HAS NO FORMAL SET GEARS IN IT--IT CAN ADJUST INFINITELY. THE ONLY DOWNSIDE IS IT HASN'T BEEN APPLIED IN A HIGH HORSEPOWER APPLICATION. IT IS PERFECT FOR LOWER HORSEPOWER AND TORQUE APPLICATIONS WHERE A MANUAL IS A MUST BECAUSE A NORMAL AUTO SUCK SO MUCH POWER FROM SMALL DISPLACEMENT ENGINES--COROLLA,CIVIC,ETC.

Answer 6

what? they're putting hydrostats in cars now??
they've been in harvesting equipment for 30 years.
hold onto your billfold when they "break"
most people don't have the technical "know how"
to even consider such a tranny.

if ya know know what it is and how to take care of it,
it's like having a pet rattlesnake in your house.

Answer 7

PROS: its an automatic and should give you better MPG's

CONS: it will wear out and need replacement
EXPENSIVE TO MAINTAIN/REPAIR. (filters fluid ans such)

(my suggestion........... learn to drive a stickshift transmossion -----they are almost failproof **********if you dont abuse it**************and you only have to change it every 5yr/100000m ****** most of us dont keep them for more than 10yrs anyway)