A lot of people ask us to give comparison of manual vs automatic transmission. So, today we decided to give you a comprehensive review of the both. Manual transmission allows you to change gears of your car at your leisure through the clutch pedal and gear shift. Automatic transmission on the other hand does the job for you, making driving easier and relatively hassle-free. In the recent years, there has been an exponential increase in cars with automatic and continuously variable transmissions, so finding manual transmission in modern vehicles has become really difficult. Still, most people prefer manuals while many feel confused between the two. Both manual and automatics have their pros and cons. It is up to you to decide which one you prefer to drive your car.
I have listed down some advantages of both to help you understand, what suits you better.
- Manual Transmission: Manual transmission can be very convenient to use as long as you have experience of handling it. There are some significant advantages of choosing a manual transmission:
- Maintenance and repair work is easier as it is less complex in structure. The most common issue it faces is worn out clutches which need to be replaced; however most cars go 15,000 to 20,000 miles without requiring a replacement.
- It uses gear oil and engine oil which doesn’t need to be replaced very frequently.
- Cars with manual transmission offer better fuel economy compared to those equipped with automatic transmission. The torque converter and hydraulic pump in automatic cars result in power losses thus reduce the fuel economy.
- Manual generally gives you better control over the vehicle. Without the constant push from its torque converter you will be able to apply brakes easily, as opposed to the automatic ones where the push can resist the brakes to some extent.
- Manual cars are mostly cheaper compared to automatic ones, but not always.
- Automatic Transmission: Even though manual transmission allows for more flexibility, there are some distinct perks of using an automatic.
- It is more comfortable and trouble-free to use as the driver doesn’t need to constantly worry about the gear and the clutch. It is easier to employ in the cities where traffic signals and crowded streets would test your patience with the clutch.
- Learning to drive on an automatic car can be a lot easier compared to manual as it requires fewer skills. All a driver needs to learn is to operate steering, the accelerator and the brakes. Learning to manipulate clutch and gearbox manually can be a very tedious job.
- Driving in hilly areas is a lot easier and less risky with automatic. However, in some very steep terrains manuals can offer more power.
- Automatic is the future of the automotive industry while manual is starting to disappear, especially in developed countries. Therefore, having know-how of automatic transmission is better for you.
As you are aware of the advantages of both transmissions, you can now make an informed decision. My advice is to consider your driving patterns. If you drive mostly on the highways and you’re looking value for money, I recommend a manual car. However, if you mostly drive in the city packed with traffic signals and jams, a manual car can be a huge hassle, thus automatic is the wiser choice. Manuals have some undeniable advantages of their own. However, considering the prospects of all-new self-driving cars, manuals will soon be outdated. Automatics may be our only option when that time comes.