Nissan CVT vs Honda CVT

[desertdiva]

Reviews of the Honda CVT talk about how the engine goes from 6 cyl. to 3cyl. depending on the type of driving. This, of course, saves gas and increases MPG.

Is the Nissan CVT set up to do the same?

[brainguyus]

Short answer...no.

Long answer...CVT (continuously variable transmission) and a Variable Displacement Engine (engine that shuts off cylinders) are two seperate items.

CVT is a transmission with infinite gear ratios and moves smoothly into another ratio when needed without 'shifting' like a conventional transmission does.

Variable displacement engines have been around for quite some time but have never really been successful. Cadillac produced one in 1981 (The V8-6-4) which was a total disaster. IMHO I would be hesitant to buy one of these since I don't believe the fuel savings would be worth the potential maintenance headaches.

[Timmbo]

Brainguyus is is correct. I don't think Honda even offers a CVT yet. I don't think the cylinder deactivation of the VDE is really anything significant. I am sure in the future the technology will be improved or replaced by something with more significant fuel savings. However, Nissan's CVT does help with fuel economy.