Automotive transmission is one of the most important components of a vehicle's power transmission system, and its performance directly affects the vehicle's power performance, fuel economy, and driving experience. In the development of the world, different types of transmissions have gradually emerged, among which manual transmissions (MT), automatic transmissions (AT), and dual-clutch transmissions (DCT) have become common types in the market. Each gearbox has its own unique structure and operating principle to meet different driving conditions and the needs of the driver.
A manual transmission (MT) is a traditional type of transmission that relies on the driver to manually operate the clutch and gear lever to shift gears. This type of transmission emphasizes the driver's direct control of the vehicle, but also requires a certain level of skill on the part of the driver. The advantage of manual transmission is that it is simple and reliable, while the disadvantage is that it is relatively cumbersome to operate, especially on congested city roads, which may not be convenient.
The automatic transmission (AT) uses a torque converter (TC) to connect the engine to the transmission, eliminating the need for manual operation. The torque converter is a device that uses oil to transmit power, which can automatically disengage when the engine starts, avoiding the use of a clutch.
The AT gearbox contains multiple planetary gear sets inside, which can be combined to achieve different gear shifts. The advantages of the AT gearbox are smooth shifting and simple operation, making it suitable for city driving and long journeys. The loss of power caused by the torque converter and the relatively slow shift speed are its disadvantages.
On the other hand, the dual-clutch transmission (DCT) is based on the manual transmission, which introduces two clutches that control odd and even gears respectively, enabling an uninterrupted shifting process. Compared with the AT, the DCT transmits power directly through the gears, which improves the transmission efficiency and thus reduces fuel consumption. The advantage of the DCT is that it is extremely fast to change gears, which improves the acceleration and handling of the car. There are also some disadvantages of DCT, such as clutch wear and overheating, and frustration and jitter may occur when driving at low speeds or starting.
The 8AT and 7DCT that appear on the market are two of the more advanced and popular types of transmissions. The 8AT refers to an automatic transmission with 8 gears, and compared to the traditional 4AT or 6AT transmission, the 8AT has more gear options and can better adapt to different driving conditions and needs. The 7DCT refers to a dual-clutch transmission with 7 gears, which has faster shifts and lower fuel consumption than traditional 5MT or 6MT gearboxes.
When choosing between 8AT and 7DCT, drivers need to weigh their personal driving preferences and needs. If you prefer smoothness and comfort, ease of operation, and more driving on city roads, then 8AT may be more suitable for you. And if you're looking for speed, agility, precision, and a lot of highway driving, then 7DCT might be more than what you're looking for.
Of course, the choice also depends on the brand and model of the car, as different manufacturers may have different tunings and optimizations for the same type of transmission, which will affect its performance. Both 8AT and 7DCT have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice depends on individual needs and driving style. With the continuous development of automotive technology, more advanced transmission types may emerge in the future to provide drivers with a richer driving experience.