Continuously Variable Transmissions

B

Bruise Lee

Joined
Aug 4, 2002
Messages
363
Does anyboy own a car with one of these, or have any knowledge or experience with these? I know a little about these devices. Unlike a traditional manual transmission with a choice of perhaps 5 speeds, or an automatic with 3 or 4 speeds, a CVT tranny offers basically an unlimited number of gear ratios (within a certain limit, of course). This allows an engine to turn at its optimum speed for given road conditions. I know there are a number of different schemes of CVT: friction, hydraulic, electric, etc.

I've driven a Toyota Prius with one and it seemed very smooth. But, I have questions about its strength. I mean, have you ever seen a race car with a CVT? I think I also remember about Suzuki using one in a little 3 cylinder micro commuter a few years ago; I believe the tranny suffered a lot of breakage problems even with that puny motor.

How are they in terms of performance? If you put three identical Honda Civics in a 1/4 mile drag race, one with a CVT, one with a manual, and one with an automatic, how would the CVT fare? Last place?

The main reason I'm asking is with gas prices raping us every time we need to fill up, I'm seriously considering getting one of the Hybrids with a CVT.

Bruise
 
In theory, in your 1/4 mile question they would provide optimum performance because the engine/motor would rev to torque or horsepower peak and stay there, while the transmission ratio would change as you speed up.

The strength issue is the big question, as long as you don't tow or haul to much stuff you should be OK.
 
The big problem in the past with CVT's was handling higher horsepower. They're getting a handle on it now and even offer a CVT in a sport ute (Nissan Murano). From what I understand, the accelleration with a CVT is actually pretty good (better than an automatic, worse than a manual). I wouldn't worry too much about it at all unless you're planning on hotrodding your car sometime in the future.

Rob
 
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