Manual vs Automatic Transmission Myths Debunked

the debate over manual and automatic transmission has been going on for years. Which is better manual transmission? Or automatic transmission? I think the decision really comes down to the end user.

There are pros and cons for both of these. Some good some bad. You can decide for yourself which is better. A manual transmission or an automatic transmission?.

Listed below are five things or should I say myths about automatic and manual transmissions. We talk about sports cars, less time for repair, more power, and several others. The pros and cons are weighted right before you.

So in the end you can go ahead and make the decision yourself so here are the five items or myths about automatic and manual transmissions debunked!

It looks like the manual vs automatic transmission debate is never going to end. Though there are many advantages of a manual transmission, it would be wrong to give it the ultimate edge over its counterpart.

Many drivers even today prefer to drive manual transmissions, for they consider it to have some unique characteristics. Sometimes, they however exaggerate some of the benefits of manual. So, what’s the real deal about all these manual vs automatic transmission myths? Let’s dissect it further.

Myth #1: Stick Shifts are Fuel Efficient

When it comes to the automatic vs manual gearbox question, we tend to give the green card to manual transmission for good. Though initially manual transmission has had more efficiency, with the technological advancement, nowadays automatic transmissions are no less fuel efficient. And if still there is a difference in terms of automatic vs manual gearbox fuel efficiency, it’s minimal. 

Myth #2: Stick Shifts are Less Expensive

This is also partially accurate. Though in some cases the manual versions are cheaper, the trend is declining. Nowadays the practice is to price the both version the same.

Moreover, not every car comes with a manual version.

Myth #3: Stick Shifts Take Less to Repair

Although replacing a manual transmission costs less than replacing an automatic, you rarely have to change modern automatic transmissions. In case of manual transmission, you may have to change it once or twice, which costs higher in the long run.

Myth #4: Stick shifts Are Mandatory for Sports Cars

Though manual transmissions are widely used in sports cars, the option for automatic is also often available. And today manufacturers are constructing sports cars with clutchless paddle shifters. So sports cars with automatic transmission are a reality now.

Myth #5: For Heavy-Duty Works, Stick Shifts are the Best

People believe that for heavy-duty jobs, there is no alternative to manual transmission. But in reality, the clutch in manual transmission may wear out. On the other hand, automatic transmission doesn’t have any clutch at all, making it more reliable. As well as that, many heavy-duty vehicles with automatic transmission have towing package to get the job done.

 

These debunked myths in a way show us the manual vs automatic transmission pros and cons. Even though today automatic transmission is becoming the first choice, a manual transmission has some fixed advantages. For example, when a car is stuck somewhere, it can be rescued if there is another vehicle nearby with manual transmission.

Via: https://carfromjapan.com/article/car-maintenance/manual-vs-automatic-transmission-myths-debunked/

So now that you have a chance to read over the different items what you think? Which is better automatic transmission or a manual transmission. Have you been your decision?

Personally I have had both manual and automatic transmission in many cars that I have on. On a personal note if I want a little bit more speed say from a dead stop I would much rather have a clutch and a manual transmission any day.

But if I'm driving through traffic in the middle of a city, there is nothing worse than shifting every 15 seconds up, down, up, down, clutch in, clutch out. A real pain in the butt, so in this case I would take an automatic transmission every day.

In my younger days I will take a manual transmission all day. But now that I am older I'll take an automatic transmission every day. It is so much easier to drive just push on the gas and go. But these new shifters that are on the steering wheel that you use with your fingers, I think those are really cool and would love to try one out.

So until I get that shifter under my fingers and not have to clutch with my foot I'll take automatic but who knows down the road it may be shifting with my finger that is the way that I decide. Thanks for reading.