2008 Nissan Altima: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

Quite possibly the biggest reason I chose the 2008 Nissan Altima over the Honda Accord was the 6 speed Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) in the Altima. I test drove the Altima first, and after experiencing the smoothest shifting car I’ve ever driven, the Accord felt like a 15 year old car with transmission issues. Imagine driving a car that you never feel or hear shift gears, that’s basically what you get with the CVT; smooth acceleration with no “shift shock”. Both cars were similar 4 cylinders with almost exactly the same horsepower, and both had more then adequate punch for small engines. The Altima stays in the power band though, it is strange and awesome at the same time. When I get on the highway I can basically go from 20 to 70 mph at a steady 3500 or 4000 (insert rpm here) depending on just how much gas I am giving it. Now not only does that sound cool, but it makes the car more efficient by staying in the optimum power range no matter how fast you’re going. This is possible because instead of having a set number of “gears” and “ratios”, the CVT virtually has an infinite number of gears and ratios. So you end up with better acceleration, better fuel efficiency, and no “shift shock”. On top of all that, kind of a side bonus, you can move the shifter over to manual mode at anytime, allowing you to shift through the 6 “gears” however you see fit. Not as useful as it is fun. In an apples to apples comparison, a conventional transmission just doesn’t compare. Learn more about the CVT.