Manual vs Automatic Transmission
Credits: PakWheels

Purchasing a car is not as easy as it seems! It’s not just about which car has the most comfortable seats, or your favorite paint job, or even an attractive exterior!

When buying a car, what matters the most is what’s on the inside, its engine, fuel capacity, features, and most importantly, if its automatic or manual transmission.

What is an Automatic Transmission?
automatic transmission
Credits: Technician Academy

An automatic transmission, also called self-shifting transmission, or AT, in short, is a type of motor vehicle transmission that automatically changes the gear ratio as the vehicle moves, meaning that the driver does not have to shift the gears.

What is a Manual Transmission?
manual transmission cars
Credits: Medium

A manual transmission (MT), also known as a manual gearbox, stick shift, or gearbox, is a type of transmission used in motor vehicle applications. With a manual transmission, the driver has to use a clutch and stick shift to change the gears.

There are three types of manual transmissions, sequential manual transmission, unsynchronized transmission, and constant mesh gearbox.

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What are the Pros and Cons of a Manual Transmission Car?

There are some pros as well as some cons to manual transmission cars. Nowadays, outside of countries like Pakistan, manual transmission cars have almost been completely replaced with AT cars.

Manual Car Pros

  • The driver has full control over gears
  • Transmission costs less to repair
  • Usually Less expensive than an AT vehicle
  • The vehicle is more engaging for the driver

Manual Car Cons

  • A limited selection of vehicles offer a manual
  • Can get tiresome in heavy traffic
  • Harder to find a manual on higher trim levels
  • Requires precise control on hills
  • The learning curve is steep

Automatic Car Pros

  • Better gas mileage
  • More comfortable to drive in stop-and-go traffic
  • The majority of vehicles offer automatic transmissions
  • Shiftable AT car gives drivers the best of both worlds
  • The transmission shifts quicker and smoother

Automatic Car Cons

  • Many gears might shift too often.
  • More expensive to buy than a manual car.
  • More moving parts can lead to higher repair costs.
  • Not as fun to drive (subjective)

In the end, the best type of transmission a driver should opt for is based on two factors; the kind of vehicle you’re looking at and your driving style. Drivers can be picky about cars; after all, they are a hefty investment at the end of the day!

Which one do you prefer? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

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