Manual Versus Automatic Transmission

What is better? Manual or automatic? How do they work? Which one to choose? Why? This site is dedicated to unbiased information / pros and cons about these two types of transmissions. Don't forget to add your own thoughts at the end of the page.

If you are too lazy or don't have time to read all that's on this site here's the one sentence executive summary: manual transmission (MT)cars use less fuel and give you more control over the car but are less convenient, while automatic transmissions (AT) burn (a little) more gas, provide less control but they are easier to use.

Costs

Manual transmissions cost less than automatics to begin with. When you go to a car dealear you will notice that the stick-shift version of the same model is about a thousand bucks cheaper. Sometimes a thousand dollars seems like not not so much when it comes to buying a new car but forget about the car itself, think of what you can do with an extra $1000.

In the long run, manuals require less service, thus making maintenance cheaper too.

Maintenance

Any mechanic can tell you that working on a manual transmission is much easier than working with automatic gear boxes. So the repair costs for automatics are significantly higher.

Manuals - if properly operated - will go hundreds of thousands of kilometers without problems (well, you also need a good car). The lubricant needs to be replaced periodically but not as frequently as in automatics. (Some cars use special transmission fluids that do not need to be replaced at all.)

Operation (driving)

Standards are harder to drive. Say the North Americans. Huh. Ask a European taxi driver who talks to the dispatcher and zig-zags on narrow winding streets with three passangers chatting in the background. He will swear to the life of his mother that stick shifs are better.

6-speed manual gear shift

With ATs, at stop lights you have to keep your foot on the brake pedal otherwise the start keeps rolling forward. Just how uncomfortable is that? This was so strange to me the first time I drove an automatic that I slowly rear ended the car in front at the lights:) (In case you are wondering I spend 6 years driving standards and 7 years driving automatics.)

The main difference in operating a car with a stick shift vs. one with automatic trasmission is that you need to shift gears based on the vehicle's speed and this requires the use of the clutch pedal and the gear shift (stick). When the clutch pedal is depressed the clutch is disengaged - the engine and the transmission is separated. Gears can be selected at this time or the car can be stopped without stalling.

Automatic gear selector

It's not depressing the clutch pedal that takes practice - releasing it requires practice to ensure a smooth start and gradual transition between gears once the vehicle is in motion. If the clutch pedal is not properly used the car will "jump-start" (much like an angry donkey) and often stall. Learning to control the clutch pedal is the single most frightening part of driving standards and many people become discouraged after a few unsuccessful trials. But once you learn how to use properly use your left foot to control the cluch-pedal the "muscle memory" becomes permanent and you won't forget it again - much like riding a bicycle.

Automatics also have a clutch except instead of a clutch pedal a torque converter is used to seperate the engine from the transmission - and it all happens automatically without the need of driver input. Speaking of driver input: manual enthusiasts need all their pride and discipline in traffic jams when they need to shift gears every minute for hours. (hint: if you commute in bad traffic, buy an automatic and forget about control- it's just not worth the stress driving a stick shift through traffic jams)

           

Latest Comments

View all comments (archives)

2012-05-13 - n/a n/a

When I was first learning how to drive, with a manual car, all the time it took how to shift gear. Then I moved to automatic and could focus on other aspects.

2012-04-29 - n/a n/a

As for as the automatic and manual are compared, both have some merits and demerits. the best options in an automatic transmission is the freedom of left hand,proper auto handling of the engine which result\'s for long life of engine and a comfortable driving in crowded and jams road. But the worst of automatics are more fuel consumption in the view of todays high prices of fuel, the vehicle runs according to the automatic gear choice not according to your\'s and the maintenince which far costly than manuals. And best in manuals are cheaper the vehicle, less fuel consumption, running according to drivers choice, and the gain of experience in driving. The worst in manuals are the improper handling of gear result\'s for rough use of engine which reduces the life of engine, in traffic jams and crowded roads the shift of gear makes a driver so much tired. i myself will prefer MANUAL.

2012-04-27 - n/a n/a

I would like to add my 5 cent, considering that I drove manual for 15 years and now automatic. Actually, there is nothing to compare, it's just the matter of your driving skills and style. Manual is for people who like cars and like driving them in sport-like manner (assuming that there are skills for that :-). Automatic is mostly for people who want to simplify their driving as much as possible or who HAVE to drive because there is no other way for them to get from point A to B.

2012-04-23 - n/a n/a

I have grown up with automatic transmissions my whole life but I read the discussions on this page when I was in the market for a new vehicle with fuel economy and trying something new in mind so I purchased a manual vehicle, thinking why not give it a try. So far I LOVE IT! The control difference is unbelievable, not to mention how much quicker it is on a take off. The skill really doesn't take very long to learn but I recommend taking short trips with lots of time to get there at first. Now that I have one I'm certain I will be buying manual transmission vehicles without hesitation.

2012-04-21 - n/a n/a

Seems like most comparisons were written by prejudiced minds that grew up manually. I have not found a real reason that defeats automatic. The choice for manual was for economic reasons rather than any preference!!

2012-04-17 - n/a n/a

When you are driving a stick you become a part of the car.You are more involved and you tend to be a better driver.In short you are more aware of whats going on around you.Your focus is more on driving.

View all comments (archives)