Finding the right car for your needs involves various considerations, both from technical and non-technical aspects. One of the considerations is related to automatic and manual transmission systems.

To buy an automatic car or a manual car, the decision will involve different aspects because automatic and manual cars have differences. So, before going to the nearest showroom, arm yourself with information first.

Both automatic and manual cars, these two types of vehicles have advantages and disadvantages. Simple research will be helpful in finding the right vehicle for your needs.

Differences between manual and automatic cars

When it comes to choose between automatic and manual cars, it depends on personal preference. As an illustration, manual cars are rarely produced because 80% of car models circulating in America in 2019 are available in automatic transmissions.

The performance may not be much different, but the driving experience between automatic cars and manual cars may be different. Here are the differences between manual and automatic cars.

1. Transmission

The main purpose of a car transmission is to transfer power to the wheels. In automatic and manual cars, the most notable difference is the transmission.

For cars with automatic transmission, the engine transfers power without any driver intervention. In manual cars, the driver is fully responsible for the transmission and must know when to increase or decrease gears.

2. Performance

In many ways, automatic cars are considered to be faster than manual cars. One reason is that automatic cars use automatic transmissions so the driver doesn't have to shift gears manually, which is time-consuming.

In addition, the process of shifting gears makes the manual car engine in a static position because the gas pedal is not always stepped on. Automatic cars shift gears more quickly so the speed is not disturbed.

Another aspect is the strength. This factor is strongly influenced by engine configuration, not transmission. Ideally, the higher the configuration of the car engine, the stronger the traction generated.

3. Clutch Pedal

The most notable difference between automatic and manual cars is the clutch. Manual cars use the clutch pedal, while automatic cars don't have it. Clutch will shift the gear on a manual car. On the other hand, automatic cars shift gears automatically according to vehicle speed.

In short, automatic cars only have two pedals, which is the brake on the left and the gas on the right. Meanwhile, manual cars have 3-4 pedals for different purposes, depending on the spec of the engine.

When facing a traffic jam that requires the vehicle to run slowly, it can be very annoying to always press the clutch constantly. Automatic cars eliminate this issue.

4. Fuel Efficiency

You may think that automatic cars are not as efficient as manual cars for various different reasons. Although this may have been true in the past, automatic cars have evolved with new transmission technologies.

The efficiency offered by automatic cars is now almost twice than manual cars. In general, automatic cars are currently more efficient in consuming fuel.

5. Price

Automatic cars are slightly higher in price than manual cars. Even for the same model with similar specs, manual cars are far more affordable. It’s different for the selling price, automatic cars tend to be priced higher because of the various features, especially for the eco-friendly aspect.

Manual cars are more likely to experience price deflation, even in the first years. Though, automatic car maintenance costs are more expensive because the availability of spare parts is rare.

But it is possible that the price will drop when the adoption of automatic cars increases. On the positive side, automatic cars are more resistant to damage than manual cars.

6. Control

Cars with manual transmission allow the driver to get full control of the vehicle. They can increase or decrease the gears according to the speed. On the other hand, automatic cars do not offer full control over the vehicle because the transmission is automatic.

For drivers with years of experience, they prefer a car that can be controlled, instead of enjoying the comfort provided by an automatic car.

7. Safety

Automatic cars, especially with the latest technology, are more reliable in terms of security so they are considered more capable of protecting the passenger than manual cars.

The car becomes easier to control when running at low speeds that allow drivers to concentrate more on the road because they don't have to step on the clutch and shift gears.

Automatic cars are safer because two hands always hold the wheel. In manual cars, the driver must drive with one hand while the other hand is shifting the gears. This is clearly dangerous, especially when driving on uneven roads.

8. Easy to Learn

Driving an automatic car is easier because less concentration is required than a manual car. This makes the driver more stress free and relaxed. Vehicles with automatic transmissions do not stomp when the acceleration pedal is pressed, also when driving slowly in traffic jams.

On the other hand, manual cars require the driver to constantly focus on gears, clutch and gas. For this reason, the process of learning to drive an automatic car is often shorter than a manual car.