Engine vs. Transmission — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 21, 2023
The engine is the component of a vehicle that converts fuel into mechanical power. The transmission takes that mechanical power and transfers it to the wheels, allowing the vehicle to move at varying speeds.
Difference Between Engine and Transmission
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The engine and the transmission are essential components of any motor vehicle, but they serve different functions. The engine, often powered by gasoline, diesel, or electricity, generates the mechanical power needed to move the vehicle. The transmission, on the other hand, is a system that takes the engine's output and adjusts it to optimize speed and torque.
Both engine and transmission are complex assemblies, consisting of numerous interconnected parts. The engine generally includes components like pistons, cylinders, and a crankshaft. The transmission contains gears, clutches, and shafts. While the engine generates power, the transmission ensures this power is effectively transferred to the wheels, letting the car move forwards or backwards.
Maintenance and problems related to the engine and transmission can be distinct. Engine issues might involve oil leaks, overheating, or faulty spark plugs. Transmission problems, meanwhile, could manifest as difficulty in shifting gears, slipping, or sudden changes in speed. Because of their interconnectedness, a problem in one could affect the other.
Despite their differences, the engine and transmission must work in harmony for optimal vehicle performance. For example, the transmission helps regulate engine speed by shifting gears, allowing the engine to operate within an optimal RPM (revolutions per minute) range. This symbiotic relationship makes it essential for drivers to understand the roles and maintenance needs of both the engine and the transmission.
Comparison Chart
Primary Function
Generates mechanical power
Transfers power to the wheels
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Main Components
Pistons, cylinders, crankshaft
Gears, clutches, shafts
Common Problems
Overheating, oil leaks
Difficulty shifting, slipping
Maintenance
Oil change, spark plugs
Fluid change, gear adjustment
Connected To
Fuel system
Drivetrain
Compare with Definitions
Engine
An engine is a machine that converts fuel into mechanical energy.
The car's engine started making strange noises.
Transmission
A transmission is a system that transfers mechanical power from the engine to the wheels.
The transmission needs repair; it's not shifting properly.
Engine
The engine is the primary source of power in a vehicle.
Without a functional engine, the car won't move.
Transmission
Transmissions can be manual or automatic, depending on driver control.
This car has an automatic transmission, so it's easier to drive.
Engine
Engines can run on various types of fuel like gasoline, diesel, or electricity.
This car has an electric engine.
Transmission
The transmission is a part of the vehicle's drivetrain.
A problem in the transmission can affect the entire drivetrain.
Engine
The engine consists of components like cylinders, pistons, and a crankshaft.
The engine needs a new crankshaft.
Transmission
Transmissions use gears to adjust vehicle speed and torque.
The transmission automatically shifted into higher gear.
Engine
Engines are used in various applications beyond vehicles, such as industrial machines.
The factory uses a powerful steam engine.
Transmission
A transmission allows a vehicle to move forwards and backwards.
The car's transmission was stuck, preventing it from reversing.
Engine
An engine or motor is a machine designed to convert one form of energy into mechanical energy. Heat engines convert heat into work via various thermodynamic processes.
Transmission
The action or process of transmitting something or the state of being transmitted
The transmission of the virus
Engine
A machine with moving parts that converts power into motion
Engine failure
The roar of a car engine
Transmission
The mechanism by which power is transmitted from an engine to the axle in a motor vehicle
A three-speed automatic transmission
Engine
A locomotive.
Transmission
The act or process of transmitting.
Engine
A machine that converts energy into mechanical force or motion.
Transmission
The fact of being transmitted.
Engine
Such a machine distinguished from an electric, spring-driven, or hydraulic motor by its use of a fuel.
Transmission
Something, such as a message, that is transmitted.
Engine
A mechanical appliance, instrument, or tool
Engines of war.
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.
Engine
An agent, instrument, or means of accomplishment.
Transmission
The sending of a signal, picture, or other information from a transmitter.
Engine
A locomotive.
Transmission
The act of transmitting, e.g. data or electric power.
Engine
A fire engine.
Transmission
The fact of being transmitted.
Engine
(Computers) A search engine.
Transmission
Something that is transmitted, such as a message, picture, or a disease; the sending of such a thing.
Engine
To equip with an engine or engines.
Transmission
(biology) The passage of a nerve impulse across synapses.
Engine
A large construction used in warfare, such as a battering ram, catapult etc.
Transmission
(automotive) An assembly of gears through which power is transmitted from the engine to the driveshaft in a motor car / automobile; a gearbox.
Engine
A tool; a utensil or implement.
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.
Engine
A complex mechanical device which converts energy into useful motion or physical effects.
Transmission
(medicine, biology) The passing of a communicable disease from an infected host individual or group to a conspecific individual or group.
Engine
A person or group of people which influence a larger group; a driving force.
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.
Engine
The part of a car or other vehicle which provides the force for motion, now especially one powered by internal combustion.
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.
Engine
A self-powered vehicle, especially a locomotive, used for pulling cars along a track.
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.
Engine
(computing) A software or hardware system responsible for a specific technical task (usually with qualifying word).
A graphics engine
A physics engine
Transmission
The process or event of sending signals by means of a radio-frequency wave from an electronic transmitter to a receiving device.
Engine
(obsolete) Ingenuity; cunning, trickery, guile.
Transmission
The act of sending a message; causing a message to be transmitted
Engine
(obsolete) The result of cunning; something ingenious, a contrivance; (in negative senses) a plot, a scheme.
Transmission
Communication by means of transmitted signals
Engine
(obsolete) Natural talent; genius.
Transmission
The fraction of radiant energy that passes through a substance
Engine
Anything used to effect a purpose; any device or contrivance; an agent.
Transmission
An incident in which an infectious disease is transmitted
Engine
To equip with an engine; said especially of steam vessels.
Vessels are often built by one firm and engined by another.
Transmission
The gears that transmit power from an automobile engine via the driveshaft to the live axle
Engine
To assault with an engine.
Engine
To contrive; to put into action.
Engine
To rack; to torture.
Engine
Natural capacity; ability; skill.
A man hath sapiences three,Memory, engine, and intellect also.
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.
Engine
Any instrument by which any effect is produced; especially, an instrument or machine of war or torture.
Engine
A compound machine by which any physical power is applied to produce a given physical effect.
Engine
To assault with an engine.
To engine and batter our walls.
Engine
To equip with an engine; - said especially of steam vessels; as, vessels are often built by one firm and engined by another.
Engine
Pronounced, in this sense, .) To rack; to torture.
Engine
Motor that converts thermal energy to mechanical work
Engine
Something used to achieve a purpose;
An engine of change
Engine
A wheeled vehicle consisting of a self-propelled engine that is used to draw trains along railway tracks
Common Curiosities
What does the engine do?
The engine generates mechanical power to move the vehicle.
What are common transmission issues?
Difficulty in shifting gears, slipping, and sudden speed changes are common issues.
How do you maintain an engine?
Regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug checks are key.
What are common engine problems?
Issues like overheating, oil leaks, and faulty spark plugs are common.
What is the role of the transmission?
It transfers the engine's power to the wheels, allowing for variable speeds.
Can you have an engine without a transmission?
Not in a typical vehicle; both are essential for it to function.
How do I know if my engine or transmission is failing?
Warning lights, strange noises, and performance issues are signs.
Can engine oil be used in the transmission?
Generally no, transmissions require specific types of fluid.
Can I replace just the engine or transmission?
Yes, but it's often a complex and expensive process.
How are the engine and transmission connected?
They are connected via a component called the flywheel.
How do you maintain a transmission?
Regular fluid changes and gear adjustments are important.
How does the transmission affect fuel efficiency?
Efficient gear shifting can improve overall fuel efficiency.
Can an engine problem affect the transmission?
Yes, problems in one can often lead to issues in the other.
Are transmissions manual or automatic?
They can be either, depending on the vehicle.
What fuels can an engine use?
Gasoline, diesel, and electricity are common fuels.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
