How Big is a Car Transmission?
Introduction
The transmission is a vital part of a car’s drivetrain. It is responsible for transmitting power from the engine to the wheels, and for changing gears to allow the car to travel at different speeds. Transmissions can vary in size depending on the type of vehicle, but they are typically quite large and heavy.
Types of Transmissions
There are two main types of transmissions used in cars: manual transmissions and automatic transmissions. Manual transmissions require the driver to shift gears manually, while automatic transmissions shift gears automatically. Automatic transmissions are more common in modern cars, but manual transmissions are still used in some performance vehicles and off-road vehicles.
Manual Transmissions
Manual transmissions are typically smaller and lighter than automatic transmissions. They consist of a series of gears that are engaged and disengaged by the driver using a gear shift lever. Manual transmissions typically have 5 or 6 gears, although some vehicles may have more or less.
Automatic Transmissions
Automatic transmissions are larger and heavier than manual transmissions. They consist of a series of planetary gears that are engaged and disengaged by hydraulic pressure. Automatic transmissions typically have 4 or 5 gears, although some vehicles may have more or less.
Size of Transmissions
The size of a transmission depends on a number of factors, including the type of vehicle, the type of transmission, and the number of gears. However, as a general rule of thumb, manual transmissions are typically smaller and lighter than automatic transmissions.
Here are the average dimensions of manual and automatic transmissions for different types of vehicles:
| Vehicle Type | Manual Transmission | Automatic Transmission |
|—|—|—|
| Compact car | 12″ x 18″ x 10″ | 15″ x 20″ x 12″ |
| Midsize car | 13″ x 19″ x 11″ | 16″ x 21″ x 13″ |
| Full-size car | 14″ x 20″ x 12″ | 17″ x 22″ x 14″ |
| SUV | 15″ x 21″ x 13″ | 18″ x 23″ x 15″ |
| Truck | 16″ x 22″ x 14″ | 19″ x 24″ x 16″ |
Weight of Transmissions
The weight of a transmission depends on the same factors that affect its size. However, as a general rule of thumb, manual transmissions are typically lighter than automatic transmissions.
Here are the average weights of manual and automatic transmissions for different types of vehicles:
| Vehicle Type | Manual Transmission | Automatic Transmission |
|—|—|—|
| Compact car | 60 lbs | 80 lbs |
| Midsize car | 70 lbs | 90 lbs |
| Full-size car | 80 lbs | 100 lbs |
| SUV | 90 lbs | 110 lbs |
| Truck | 100 lbs | 120 lbs |
Conclusion
The transmission is a vital part of a car’s drivetrain. It is responsible for transmitting power from the engine to the wheels, and for changing gears to allow the car to travel at different speeds. Transmissions can vary in size and weight depending on the type of vehicle, the type of transmission, and the number of gears. However, as a general rule of thumb, manual transmissions are typically smaller and lighter than automatic transmissions.
