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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2010-09-02 - n/a n/a

i would choose manual because you have more control and experience the excitement of driving especially when it comes down to sport cars, the automatics suck gas and adds to much weight to cars even todays new auto transmission i wouldnt even bother getting, even the cvt tranny is not a good it jus increases the gas mileage by 2 WOW! like thats gonna make any difference its funny how automotives tend make autos get ahead of manuals and make not a big difference at all

2010-08-31 - n/a n/a

Make life simple. Get an automatic. I don't see the point in the manual? Just like most humans.. want to make things complex and complain about it later.

2010-08-24 - n/a n/a

Is this guy smoking something cheap? Automatic? expancive? high maintianance? what has he been driving?? Automatics have come a LONG way and yes thay now do give better milage and power then a Manual Ever will. Get with the times people!

2010-08-18 - n/a n/a

If you visit a web site like http://www.aboutautomobile.com/Complaint/2002/Ford/Explorer (which I'm purchasing) you'll notice that there are many, many more complaints about problems with automatic transmissions than with manual. So even given the fact that there are many more out there, I think a factor of several hundred is pretty definitive. Maybe the newer automatic transmissions are more reliable, but if you're buying used you can just look at the service record.

2010-06-29 - n/a n/a

cat061@gmail.com Hi! my name is clare. I am about to buy a car on thurs and i would like your opinion. I drive on a very hilly windy roads where i have to dodge amish buggies and other things throughout my drive. is it a bad idea to buy a manual car? Thanks! Clare

2010-05-22 - n/a n/a

I disagree with this article. The AT have come along way and their costs in maintenance and up-keep are significantly lower than before. True they may be cheaper to buy when buying a new car, at the start, but I will always put computer- guided systems above human operated ones, any day, any time! In Urban areas MT are a menace. Especially for people who do not know how to properly drive one. They roll back when not in gear (like at a stop sign or stop light). A auto coalition has studied AT and MT and proves that since 2006, AT can match or lower fuel consumption versus MT (in a 200 Km test trial). And to put a finishing touch on your cost accent, a lot of people do not know how to properly drive AT. The do not come to a full stop before changing gears which increases the "wear and tear" of the AT function. This is a one view point article.

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