Engine vs. Transmission: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on February 28, 2024
The engine is the power source of a vehicle, converting fuel into motion, while the transmission is a system that transmits the engine's power to the wheels, controlling speed and torque.
Key Differences
The engine is the heart of a vehicle, generating power by burning fuel. The transmission, however, is a complex system that takes the engine's power and transmits it to the wheels, allowing the vehicle to move at different speeds.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 28, 2024
Engines operate through internal combustion (in most vehicles), converting fuel into mechanical power. Transmissions work by varying the gear ratios, effectively controlling the power output to the wheels for efficient driving at varying speeds.
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Feb 28, 2024
Engines come in various types, such as gasoline, diesel, electric, and hybrid. Transmissions also vary, including manual, automatic, continuously variable (CVT), and semi-automatic.
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Feb 28, 2024
The engine's size and type determine a vehicle’s power output and fuel efficiency. The transmission plays a crucial role in managing how that power is delivered, affecting the vehicle's responsiveness and fuel economy.
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Feb 28, 2024
Engine maintenance is vital for optimal performance and longevity, requiring regular checks on oil, coolant, and filters. Transmission maintenance, though less frequent, is crucial for smooth gear shifts and overall vehicle health.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 28, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Function
Generates power by burning fuel
Transmits engine power to the wheels
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Feb 28, 2024
Mechanism
Operates through internal combustion
Varies gear ratios for speed control
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Feb 28, 2024
Variations
Gasoline, diesel, electric, hybrid
Manual, automatic, CVT, semi-automatic
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Feb 28, 2024
Impact on Vehicle
Determines power output and fuel efficiency
Controls power delivery, affects responsiveness
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Feb 28, 2024
Maintenance
Regular checks on oil, coolant, filters
Requires maintenance for smooth gear shifts
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Feb 28, 2024
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Engine and Transmission Definitions
Engine
Converts fuel into mechanical power.
The car's engine roared to life as I turned the key.
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Jan 20, 2024
Transmission
Controls vehicle speed through gear shifts.
Manual transmission allows the driver to control gear ratios directly.
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Jan 20, 2024
Engine
Made up of pistons, valves, and cylinders.
The engine's pistons are crucial for its smooth operation.
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Jan 20, 2024
Transmission
Helps optimize fuel consumption and performance.
A good transmission can significantly improve fuel economy.
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Jan 20, 2024
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Transmission
Transmits engine power to the vehicle's wheels.
The transmission ensures the right amount of power reaches the wheels.
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Jan 20, 2024
Engine
Such a machine distinguished from an electric, spring-driven, or hydraulic motor by its use of a fuel.
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Jan 18, 2024
Transmission
An assembly, as in a motor vehicle, that transmits power from an engine to a driving axle, usually having a manually or automatically adjustable mechanism to control the balance of power and speed. Also called gearbox.
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Jan 18, 2024
Transmission
The sending of a signal, picture, or other information from a transmitter.
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Jan 18, 2024
Engine
A large construction used in warfare, such as a battering ram, catapult etc.
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Jan 18, 2024
Transmission
Something that is transmitted, such as a message, picture, or a disease; the sending of such a thing.
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Jan 18, 2024
Engine
A complex mechanical device which converts energy into useful motion or physical effects.
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Jan 18, 2024
Transmission
(automotive) An assembly of gears through which power is transmitted from the engine to the driveshaft in a motor car / automobile; a gearbox.
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Jan 18, 2024
Engine
A person or group of people which influence a larger group; a driving force.
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Jan 18, 2024
Transmission
(legal) The right possessed by an heir or legatee of transmitting to his successor(s) any inheritance, legacy, right, or privilege, to which he is entitled, even if he should die without enjoying or exercising it.
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Jan 18, 2024
Engine
The part of a car or other vehicle which provides the force for motion, now especially one powered by internal combustion.
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Jan 18, 2024
Transmission
(medicine, biology) The passing of a communicable disease from an infected host individual or group to a conspecific individual or group.
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Jan 18, 2024
Engine
A self-powered vehicle, especially a locomotive, used for pulling cars along a track.
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Jan 18, 2024
Transmission
The act of transmitting, or the state of being transmitted; as, the transmission of letters, writings, papers, news, and the like, from one country to another; the transmission of rights, titles, or privileges, from father to son, or from one generation to another.
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Jan 18, 2024
Engine
(computing) A software or hardware system responsible for a specific technical task (usually with qualifying word).
A graphics engine
A physics engine
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Jan 18, 2024
Transmission
The right possessed by an heir or legatee of transmitting to his successor or successors any inheritance, legacy, right, or privilege, to which he is entitled, even if he should die without enjoying or exercising it.
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Jan 18, 2024
Transmission
The mechanism within a vehicle which transmits rotational power from the engine to the axle of the wheel propelling the vehicle; it includes the gears and gear-changing mechanism as well as the propeller shaft.
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Jan 18, 2024
Engine
(obsolete) The result of cunning; something ingenious, a contrivance; (in negative senses) a plot, a scheme.
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Jan 18, 2024
Transmission
The process or event of sending signals by means of a radio-frequency wave from an electronic transmitter to a receiving device.
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Jan 18, 2024
Transmission
The act of sending a message; causing a message to be transmitted
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Jan 18, 2024
Engine
Anything used to effect a purpose; any device or contrivance; an agent.
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Jan 18, 2024
Engine
To equip with an engine; said especially of steam vessels.
Vessels are often built by one firm and engined by another.
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Jan 18, 2024
Transmission
The fraction of radiant energy that passes through a substance
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Jan 18, 2024
Transmission
The gears that transmit power from an automobile engine via the driveshaft to the live axle
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Jan 18, 2024
Transmission
Determines whether a vehicle is FWD, RWD, or AWD.
The car's AWD transmission improves traction in slippery conditions.
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Jan 20, 2024
Engine
Natural capacity; ability; skill.
A man hath sapiences three,Memory, engine, and intellect also.
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Jan 18, 2024
Transmission
Crucial for smooth and responsive driving.
The automatic transmission makes driving easier and more comfortable.
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Jan 20, 2024
Engine
Anything used to effect a purpose; any device or contrivance; a machine; an agent.
You see the ways the fisherman doth takeTo catch the fish; what engines doth he make?
Their promises, enticements, oaths, tokens, and all these engines of lust.
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Jan 18, 2024
Engine
Any instrument by which any effect is produced; especially, an instrument or machine of war or torture.
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Jan 18, 2024
Engine
A compound machine by which any physical power is applied to produce a given physical effect.
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Jan 18, 2024
Engine
To equip with an engine; - said especially of steam vessels; as, vessels are often built by one firm and engined by another.
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Jan 18, 2024
Engine
A wheeled vehicle consisting of a self-propelled engine that is used to draw trains along railway tracks
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Jan 18, 2024
Engine
Central component that drives a vehicle.
The new model has a more powerful engine for better performance.
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Jan 20, 2024
Engine
Burns gasoline, diesel, or uses electricity.
The diesel engine is known for its fuel efficiency.
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Jan 20, 2024
Engine
Size and type affect vehicle's power and efficiency.
Sports cars often have engines designed for high speed.
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Jan 20, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is transmission necessary for all cars?
Yes, to manage the power delivery to wheels.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 28, 2024
What’s the role of transmission in a car?
Transmits engine power to the wheels, controlling speed.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 28, 2024
What types of transmissions are there?
Manual, automatic, CVT, and semi-automatic.
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Feb 28, 2024
What’s better, diesel or gasoline engines?
Depends on the need for power and fuel efficiency.
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Feb 28, 2024
Can transmission affect fuel economy?
Yes, efficient transmission improves fuel economy.
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Feb 28, 2024
How often should engines be serviced?
Regularly, as per the manufacturer's recommendation.
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Feb 28, 2024
Can I switch transmission types in a car?
It’s possible but complex and costly.
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Feb 28, 2024
What's a turbocharged engine?
An engine with a turbocharger to boost power.
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Feb 28, 2024
Do transmissions need regular maintenance?
Yes, for longevity and smooth operation.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 28, 2024
Are manual transmissions more efficient?
They can be more efficient and give more control.
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Feb 28, 2024
Do electric cars have transmissions?
Some do, but many have single-speed gearboxes.
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Feb 28, 2024
How does a CVT transmission work?
It uses a pulley system for seamless gear ratio changes.
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Feb 28, 2024
Is it hard to learn manual transmission?
It can be challenging but offers more driving control.
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Feb 28, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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