NV3500 Vs NV4500 Transmissions: What Makes Them Different?

Transmissions are one of the vital components of a vehicle and are essential for transferring power to the wheel from the engine. They are also necessary to ensure the vehicle moves smoothly at various speeds. And the NV3500 and NV4500 are two such vehicle transmissions that many vehicle owners often use because they serve the purposes.

And if you are aiming to get one of them, it is best to compare the NV3500 vs NV4500 transmissions. How different are they?

Both NV3500 and NV4500 are 5-speed manual transmissions used in various ranges of vehicles. The NV3500 is a light-duty transmission suitable for smaller vehicles. On the other hand, the NV4500 is a heavy-duty transmission and works best on larger and more powerful vehicles. As a result, the NV3500 is less expensive than the NV4500.

In this article, I have discussed and compared their features in more detail. So I hope you read the article till the end!

NV3500 Vs NV4500: Comparison Table

Features	NV3500	NV4500
Manufacturer	New Venture Gear	New Venture Gear
Type	Manual transmission	Manual transmission
Speed	5-Speed	5-Speed
Torque	Around 300 lb/ft.	Around 460 lb/ft.
First Gear Ratio	High	Low
Size	Compact	Large
Weight	Comparatively lightweight	Very heavy
Application	GM and Dodge trucks	Heavy-duty trucks and vehicles
Cost	Less expensive	Costly

NV3500 Vs NV4500 Detail Comparison

As you can see from the comparison table above, despite being manufactured by the same company and having the same speed level, the NV3500 and the NV4500 have various differences. They also have similarities.

In the following parts, I have discussed the features in more detail so that you can get a better comparison idea.

Manufacturer

What makes both NV3500 and NV4500 reliable to their users is their manufacturer. Both transmissions are manufactured by a company named New Venture Gear. It was a joint venture between two giant automotive companies, General Motors, and Chrysler. Now the company is owned by Magna International.

Type And Speed

Both NV3500 and NV4500 are 5-speed manual transmissions. They are both used with a clutch. And the perk of the feature is that, when shifting gears, the driver can engage and disengage the engine from the transmission.

Torque

The torque capacity tells a lot about the transmission’s performance and how much you can rely on them. But the good thing is that both NV3500 and NV4500 are excellent in this regard, even though one has a slightly higher capacity. The NV3500 has a 300 lb/ft torque capacity, while the NV4500 has a capacity of 460 lb/ft.

Size And Weight

Between the two transmissions, the NV3500 is comparatively lightweight because of its compact size. This gives the users the advantage of handling and installing the transmission more easily. On the contrary, the NV4500 has a larger size and weighs more, making it challenging to handle or install it.

Gear Ratio

The NV4500 has a lower first-gear ratio than the NV3500. And that makes NV4500 more suitable for off-road driving as it has more low-end power. But that is not the case with the NV3500, and it is not very suitable for off-road driving.

Application

Since the NV3500 has a compact size, and lightweight design with a low torque level, it is more suitable for smaller vehicles or the ones that don’t require powerful performing components. On the other hand, the NV4500 has a larger size, heavier design, and a higher torque level, which naturally makes it more compatible with larger or heavy-duty vehicles.

Cost

Of course, just like their application, the cost also differ. Though many other factors affect the price, the high-performing features and larger size automatically make the NV4500 more expensive than the NV3500.

Pros And Cons Of NV3500 

Here are the pros and cons of the NV3500- 

Pros 

• Compact size and lightweight design make it suitable for smaller vehicles 
• Commonly available, which makes it easier to replace
• Low-cost option

Cons

• Not very durable
• Not suitable for better off-road performance

Pros And Cons Of NV4500 

Here are the pros and cons of the NV4500- 

Pros 

• Higher torque makes it more suitable for heavy-duty vehicles 
• Excellent off-road performance 
• More fluid capacity keeps it cooler for longer

Cons

• Heavy weight makes it challenging to install
• More expensive 
• Not widely available, which makes replacing it challenging

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I swap an NV3500 for an NV4500?

Yes, you can swap an NV3500 with an NV4500. However, due to certain feature differences, you might have to make some modifications if you are swapping them. For example, the Nv3500 has integrated bolts. So if you are swapping it with an NV 4500, it has to come with the feature.

Q. How much do NV3500 and NV4500 cost?

The cost of the transmission depends on various important factors, such as the transmission’s model, application category, availability, retailer, etc. Besides, the price of NV3500 is usually less expensive than the NV. Nevertheless, the NV3500 is likely to cost around $1,200-$2,500, whereas the NV4500 can cost around $2,500-$3,500.

Q. How long do they last?

How long the NV3500 and NV4500 transmissions last depend on the models, materials, usage, maintenance, driving conditions, etc. However, being more powerful, heavy-duty, and long-lasting, the NV4500 can last up to 300,000 miles, but the NV3500 can last around 100,000 miles.

Q. Which vehicles are compatible with NV3500 and NV4500?

Generally, the NV3500 transmission is compatible with various GM trucks and Dodge trucks. On the other hand, the NV 4500 is used in various SUVs and heavy-duty trucks.

Final Words

If you compare the NV3500 vs NV4500 transmissions, you will find that one works best for smaller vehicles, while the other is for heavy-duty ones. And because of the facts and features that affect their performance, they also have a cost difference. But they are both reliable and perform well in most cases in their required fields.

That is why it is challenging to pick one. But in the end, it is up to the buyers to decide which one is best based on their expectations and requirements. So make sure to check the comparison part one more time to weigh your options and ultimately choose the right transmission for your vehicle.