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)

           

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2010-02-04 - n/a n/a

Anyone that thinks auto is better, is just jealous because secretly they can't drive manual. Manual outperforms auto on every level, apart from convenience.

2010-01-29 - n/a n/a

kaelm87@gmail.com I am considering a subaru-vanagon conversion. I was wondering if there is more technical information on what steps need to be taken and requirements for the conversion. Also I was wondering if the engine you put in the the vanagon is compatible with either manual or automatic transmission. For example if you take an engine out of an automatic subaru can you put it into a manual vanagon. Thank you for your time

2010-01-28 - n/a n/a

Every "fact" here is an opinion. No research, and certainly not peer reviewed (Fred's opinion from the trailer on the corner doesn't count). I actually did some research and if any of you would do the same you will find that todays autos in fact outperform sticks in every aspect. 15 years ago these BS opinions on here would be true; why doesn't the milatary use muzzle loaders? Because technology has made them antiquated, but if you like the feel of loading the powder than enjoy.

2010-01-21 - n/a n/a

Only around ten percent of all new cars sold in the US have manual transmissions. The numbers are slightly better for sports cars, but automatics still dominate. So many people would rather let a computer drive their car than take control themselves. I will never be one of them.

2010-01-08 - n/a n/a

I'm curious about the safety aspects of manual vs. automatic. I got my driver's education in Northern Europe and a quick "rescue" for when the car started to slide in snow was to press down the clutch so that the wheels could roll freely and get traction again. If you were experienced you could overpower steering with a little extra gas. I know ABS brakes and electronic traction control may eliminate this need, but how does a automatic vehicle manage when it becomes extra slippery? If the driver is experience will he/she be on the mercy of the automatic gearbox or not?

2009-12-26 - n/a n/a

Even though the above vote is clearly for MT nevertheless what percentage of new car buyers will opt for an automatic transmission. Hence will it be easier to sell a car sometime in the future if it has an automatic transmission?

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