Nissan's new VVEL system is a completely different beast from their legacy VVL system. The two are not even in the same zipcode. BMW's Valvtronic is the only other system in the market that operates with the same concept in mind.


Type 1
- Nissan VTC/CVTC/EVTC
- BMW VANOS
- Toyota VVT-i
- Porsche Variocam
These systems work like adjustable cam sprockets, which allow advancement or retardation of camshaft timing/phasing and subsquently the valve timing/phasing. There's the ability to alter settings in real-time and via infinite steps over a set range. Valve lift cannot be altered with these systems.


Type 2
- Honda VTEC
- Toyota VVTL-i
- Nissan VVL
- Mitsubishi MIVEC
These systems have the ability to switch between two (three in the case of MIVEC) cam profiles that are optimzed for different conditions. It is therefore possible to alter between discrete sets of valve lift and timing/phasing that are built into each of the available cams profiles. Discrete means the settings are not infinitely variable.


Type 3
- Honda i-VTEC
- Porsche Variocam Plus
This system is litterally the combination of Type 1 and Type 2 systems. Valve timing/phasing is infinitely variable, while valve lift remains one of the two fixed settings (a confine of Type 2 system).


Type 4
- Nissan VVEL
- BMW Valvetronic
These systems have continuous variable control over valve lift (from a mere crack to full stroke open), making standard butterfly throttlebody a virtual obsolescence. When coupled with their respective Type 1 systems they also gain continuous variable valve timing/phasing capability. These are the next generation control systems with FULL ABSOLUTE control over valve activities. Aftermarket camshafts will be all but unecessary because virtually any cam profile can be replicated via simple alteration of two ECU tables.