What is responsible for transferring power between the engine and the transmission?

The flywheel plays a crucial role in the power transfer between the engine and the transmission. It is a mechanical component attached to the engine's crankshaft and serves several important functions. One primary function of the flywheel is to store rotational energy and smooth out the engine's power delivery. This ensures that the power generated by the engine is transmitted to the transmission more efficiently, aiding in the prevention of engine stalling.

Additionally, the flywheel provides a mounting surface for the clutch, which engages and disengages the engine from the transmission. When the clutch is engaged, the flywheel transmits power directly from the engine to the transmission. The design of the flywheel allows for the adjustment of its inertia to optimize performance for various engine speeds and load conditions.

The other options, while related to the overall drivetrain operation, do not directly transfer power from the engine to the transmission in the same way the flywheel does. The torque converter, for example, facilitates power transfer in automatic transmissions using fluid dynamics rather than a direct mechanical connection, while the clutch (in manual systems) is the component that engages and disengages, but it relies on the flywheel for its installation and operation. The driveshaft transfers power from the transmission to the wheels but is positioned