There are two kinds of drivers in this world: those who like to shift gears themselves, and the others who prefer the car to do it for them. The debate over which is better, a manual transmission (MT) or an automatic cars transmission (AT), is an age-old one; it can even be considered a war between the supporters of the two types, and we, the auto journalists, are always caught in the crossfire.
I can not count the number of times my friends have asked me which of the two is better. Some of them were novice drivers looking to buy a new car, while most were long-time drivers who (I think) just wanted to spark a discussion. Often I just laugh about it and say, "Whatever you prefer, it's your car anyway."
Now, before we settle this question once and for all, let me be blunt about where I stand: I am a fan of convenience and efficiency, meaning I love getting things done with less effort and better results.
When I talk about a manual transmission, I am referring to cars with a clutch pedal, while automatic transmissions include all types without a third pedal, such as CVTs, DCTs, conventional torque converters, and automated manual transmissions. The technical distinction between the different automatic transmissions can be found in this guide.
Fuel efficiency and fuel efficiency control
Vehicles with manual transmissions are often considered more efficient than their automatic transmission counterparts because they offer more control to the driver. Basically, the higher the gear, the less RPM and torque is required, which means less fuel is consumed. In addition, a manual transmission also weighs much less than its automatic transmission counterpart, so the vehicle carries less weight, resulting in lower fuel consumption.
Although the above statement is still true today, many modern vehicles with automatic transmissions have improved over the years. Coupled with improvements in engine technology and the advent of CVT transmissions, automatic transmissions are now on par, if not equal, to their manual transmission counterparts. When it comes to shifting gears manually, automatic transmissions have also come a long way, as some are now available with a manual mode or paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. This means that manual shifting is no longer reserved for vehicles that have a clutch pedal.
Maintenance and care
If you compare the maintenance costs of an automatic transmission to a manual transmission, the manual transmission is the less complex unit. They are essentially made up of parts that do not require electronic intervention, so there is one less thing to worry about. Therefore, these types of transmissions are less costly to maintain.
Just beware of damaging your car's clutch pedal and the other mechanisms that surround it. This can cause you a lot of headaches later on if you choose a vehicle with a manual transmission.
Price car prices
When it comes to price, manual transmission vehicles are cheaper than automatic transmission vehicles. If you find a vehicle that is available with both a manual transmission and an automatic transmission and is in the same trim level, you will find that the price difference is around 50,000 pesos or a bit more if other features are added. While this may not be a deal breaker for most people on a budget, the 50,000 pesos can mean a lot of savings, especially if you buy the vehicle with cash.
Easy and comfortable driving on the road
Bottom line. Cars with an automatic transmission are more convenient to drive because the car does the shifting for you. You do not have to worry about your engine stalling because you do not press the clutch pedal or mistiming a shift. This is especially important when you are driving in heavy traffic.
You might argue that this is not a problem for long-time drivers, but trust us, when you have one less thing to worry about, you are better able to focus on the road and it's much more comfortable.
Automatic transmission verdict
The decision to choose an automatic transmission varies from person to person. If you value convenience above all else, an automatic transmission is best for you. And if you are more of a city driver, then an automatic transmission is just right for you because all you need to do is press the gas and brake. However, if you are someone who wants a little more control when driving, then you should opt for a manual transmission. That said, it still comes down to your personal preferences and where you will be driving the most.
