Manual VS Automatic – Is There A Better Vehicle?

Choosing between a manual or automatic vehicle is a common question among motorists. Of course, everyone has their preferences and opinions, and for the most part, it seems you are usually either on one side of the fence or the other when it comes to the subject. However, it is always useful to know the difference between the two, to help you make the correct and informed decision when it comes to choosing. Manual drivers seem to prefer the authentic driving experience whilst automatic users love the relaxed and simpler drive. In this article, we are going to speak about the difference in opinions on the technology and performance of a manual vs an automatic vehicle.

What is the difference between manual and automatic?

The main difference between the two is that driving a manual involves changing gears whereas an automatic does it itself. In manual transmission vehicles, the driver has to press the clutch pedal down and change between all gears with the stick manually as they manoeuvre along different roads. This gives the driver full access to the engine’s RPM (Revolutions per minute), and torque range, which can be helpful in certain driving conditions such as hill descents using engine braking, or lower-gear control whilst climbing an incline.  

Automatic cars are far more simple in regards to not needing to change gears as they go. All you have to do is select whether you want to drive, reverse, be in neutral, or park and the car will do the rest for you. There is a gear stick in automatic vehicles, but it is limited to the reverse, park, or drive, and does not have a clutch at all. 

Manual Transmission

Manual transmission, also known as a stick shift, is the original and standard equipment used in most vehicles. Many manual cars come with a standard 5 or 6-speed gearbox. 

Control of the manual vehicle is one of the main selling points and why most users still prefer it over automatic. With the manual gear stick, the driver can choose when and if they wish to change gear and what gear they want to change into. This means when they are driving up a hill, they can immediately change from 4th gear to 2nd gear to get the power behind the vehicle that they need to reach the top of the hill smoothly and safely. With this increased control, the performance is also increased. If the driver can change gears whenever they need to, the car will respond a lot better. This of course also depends on the driver’s driving abilities but is a strong selling point as to why people still choose to drive manual vehicles. 

Manual cars are also cheaper than automatic vehicles, both to buy, repair and insure. Manual vehicles are popular among young drivers for the very reason of being a cost-effective option. 

Automatic Transmission

Many people think automatic cars are a relatively new invention, however, the first automatic car was invented by a Canadian engineer, Alfred Horner Munro in 1921. 

The automatic vehicles have a gearbox that works automatically to change gear ratios as the car is moving. This makes the clutch pedal unnecessary and frees the driver from having to worry about changing gears as their driving conditions change. The love for automatics comes from the fact they are far easier to drive than a manual. Driving up hills, parking, stopping and driving on a decline is effortless with an automatic. As the car does not have a clutch, it means there is no risk of “clutch foot” and gears change automatically so the driver does not have to worry about rolling backwards on inclines or stalling. 

It is also commonly thought that automatic mileage is another popular selling point. The use of continuously variable transmissions increases the fuel economy and therefore is a friendly vehicle to the environment.

Some manufacturers offer disabled customers a chance to drive easily and smoothly in an automatic without them having to worry about moving to change gears and pedals. 

Whilst taking out any pros or cons you may find when shopping for a manual or an automatic, the choice also needs to come with consideration to the driver’s lifestyle. Automatic is probably the better option for disabled drivers or someone who lives in an urban area where they may experience a lot of traffic congestion, stopping and starting. People who drive long distances prefer automatics as the car requires less work in regards to changing gears. Cruise control is also an option that users tend to love.