VTEC vs VVT-i

Working Principle

In an automobile engine the intake and exhaust valves move on a camshaft. The timing, lift and duration of the valve are determined by the shape of the lobes that make the shaft move. Timing refers to an angle measurement of when a valve is opened or closed with respect to the piston position and lift refers to how much the valve is opened.
i-VTEC uses not only timing but also the lift aspect of the valves, while VVTi uses only the timing aspect. The technology that uses timing and lift aspect developed by Toyota is called VVTL-i and can be equated with that of i-VTEC of Honda.
i-VTEC
Honda introduced i-VTEC technology in Honda's K-series four cylinder engine family in 2001. With this technology

• The intake camshaft is capable of advancing between 25 and 50 degrees when the engine is running.
• Phase changes are implemented by a computer controlled, oil driven adjustable cam gear.
• Phasing is determined by a combination of engine load and rpm, ranging from fully retarded at idle to somewhat advanced at full throttle and low RPM.
• The effect is further optimization of torque output, especially at low and midrange RPM.
• Valve lift and duration is still limited to distinct low- and high-RPM profiles.

VVTi
Toyota introduced VVT-i in 1996. With this technology

• The timing of the intake valves varies by adjusting the relationship between the camshaft drive (belt, scissor-gear or chain) and intake camshaft.
• Engine oil pressure is applied to an actuator to adjust the camshaft position.
• Adjustments in the overlap time between the exhaust valve closing and intake valve opening results in improved engine efficiency.