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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)

Worldwide Usage

In Europe, stick shifts dominate the market with the exception of inner-city buses where the drivers would go crazy if they had to change gears five thousand times a day. Automatics, however, are becoming more popular as people relize the comfort of the free left leg.

So can you drive a manual with an American license? As a tourist - if you actually know how to drive a manual - yes you can. But many countries have separate licenses for the two different kinds of cars restricting the usage of manuals if the drivers test was passed using an automatic vehicle.

The top 3 "automated" countries are the United States, Canada and Japan.

Other Types of Transmissions

Apart from these two main types of transmissions there are other, less popular types available:

Tiptronic gear-shift
(notice the + and - arrows)

Tiptronic: These transmissions work like automatics by default but they allow the driver to override the computer's "decision" by manually switching gears. This technique was developed by Porshe and is commonly used by Audi and Volkswagen. In some cases the manual shifters are installed on the steering wheel (called paddle shifters) but more commonly they are located by the gear shift in the center. Tiptronics protect the transmission by not allowing the driver to shift when the action would harm the engine.

Semi-automatic: also known as cluchless manual or automated manual uses advanced electronic sensors to perform gear shifts on the command of the driver. This type of transmission does not shift automatically and completely relies on driver input. It is often used by racecars to maintain full driver control without using the clutch pedal.

Non-synchronous : are designed to depend upon an operator experienced in changing gears. Common in heavey vehicles/machinery. Learning how to operate these vehicles often require special training facilities. They require the operator to manually syncronize engine RPM (revolution per minute) with drive-shaft RPM.

There are several other types which we don't discuss in detail here but you are more than welcome to provide details on the bottom of the page using the feedback form. These not-so-common types include: twin-clutch, direct shift gearbox, saxomat, etc.

Advantages & Disadvantages: Comparison Chart

Manuals clearly win according to this chart. So how come automatics dominate the North American market? There is an explanation:

• Americans and Canadians are used to comfort and are willing to go greath lenghts - even if it costs more money - to maintain their level of comfort.
• As mentioned in the chart, distances on the west side of the pond can be frightening - you will need a cruise control
• But automatics are more expensive to buy and maintain? Who cares. In a society where most people don't consider less than $5000 a debt, people don't care about a thousand bucks here and there. (refer to point #1)
• The only knowledge required to operate an automatic is to remember that you can't put your car in park when you're driving on the highway (and even if you forget the car won't let you). With manuals you need to use your left leg, you need to plan a little ahead, you need to learn how to start without stalling, etc. Learning what can be achieved without learning is not preferred.

What's the conclusion? Fans of automatic cars would rather spend more money on a less efficient vehicle, keep pushing the brake at stop lights just so they don't have to learn how to drive a standard.

But what if you want to drink your pop while you put your left foot out the window (feels great!) and occasionally turn back to pet your dog on the back seat? Well, you'll need an automatic for that, don't you?

Btw, what about the environment? It's a bit hypocritical of treehuggers to drive automatics, isn't it?

We'd love to hear what you think! Send us your stories and comments using the form below.

           

Latest Comments

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2008-08-16 - n/a n/a

The author is misinformed about cruise control not being available with manual transmissions. I have a manual and cruise control in my car. The author is correct about the long distances that are driven in the US. I am from the West. It takes some long hours at 85 mph to get anywhere.

2008-08-15 - n/a n/a

I agree with you: a 16 year old is not old enough to drive a car in public roads. Just think of all the stupid things people do (we've all done them) when they are in their teens and to give a license to these young people is pure insanity. I also agree with your comment about power cars. It is very, very different to drive daddy's '98 Chevy than driving a '08 Ford F-650 huge pickup truck, yet they require the same license. Personally, I wouldn't give a license to anyone under 20. (Admin)

2008-08-14 - n/a n/a

This is an all American/Canadian debate, In Europe, automatics are very scarce, and often the only reason one would pick an automatic is if your disabled. There should definately be the divide in licenses to drive them. If you can only drive an automatic, you cant drive. Simple!. Turning the wheel and pressing a pedal is not driving. Manuals are superior to automatics 9/10 times. The only automatics worth any salt are the ones that come in 100k Ferrari's etc. Manual for the win everytime. I also think America and Canada need to rethink the driving age and test. 16 to drive a car is a joke, let alone the powerful weapons they get let loose in. The driving test is ridiculously simple too. Minimum age should be 18, and insurance for high powered cars at low ages should be impossible, 23+ I think for a powerful car.

2008-08-10 - n/a n/a

Is there a way to start an automatic transmission car that won\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'t completely turn over because it needs a tune-up? Battery is good. Engine cranks good. Timing is off, however...

2008-07-24 - n/a n/a

Acutally some automatics have a second gear start option, such as Honda, for the snow reason!

2008-07-24 - n/a n/a

If you are planning on buying a used 3000GT with a manual transmission, then you\\\'d better be ready to lose the use of 5th gear at around 95k or soon after. Other than that; the car is a beast and a great decision!

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