When you go out to buy a new or a used car there are tons of factors that go into the purchase decision, out of which transmission choice is a big one. The kind of transmission you choose will have a big impact on the overall daily driving experience and both manual and automatic will have their own pros and cons. Depending on what your requirements are and what your preferences are, an automatic might be better than a manual and vice versa. If you are on the fence trying to decide which transmission to choose, here are a few things you should keep in mind when you choose between automatic vs manual vehicles.
1. Costs
Keeping all other factors constant, a manual is going to be cheaper than an automatic vehicle in terms of the initial purchase cost. The features and the machinery that goes into making an automatic transmission are always higher than the same vehicle with a manual transmission. Moreover, the maintenance cost of an automatic transmission is higher than a manual transmission. In some cases, it can be nearly half the price to repair a manual transmission as compared to an automatic.
2. Comfort
If you are going to be driving in heavy traffic a lot or tackling mountainous terrain that requires frequent gear shifts, a manual will be more cumbersome. Unlike manual cars, automatic cars have no clutch and the engine changes its gearing automatically according to the speed you are traveling at and the load on the engine. However, if you like a more immersive experience in which you have complete control over engine behavior then a manual will be a better choice. For those that are looking for comfort and ease of use, an automatic is a way to go.
3. Economy
For any vehicle owner, the cost per mile is an important factor to consider when purchasing a vehicle. In this regard, the transmission plays a big role in how fuel-friendly your vehicle is. Overall, automatic vehicles are more expensive to run, consume more gas, and also have more wear and tear on certain components. While manual transmission can be a little more work, they do offer tremendous advantages in terms of fuel consumption. If you are looking for a lower per-mile cost then the manual transmission is the better choice.
4. Resale
When purchasing a vehicle the resale value of the car is also an important consideration. On certain vehicles, a manual transmission is more desirable, for instance in high spec sports cars. On the other hand in luxury cars and family-oriented vehicles, an automatic transmission is more popular.
You should also keep in mind that while it is possible to change a vehicle’s transmission from a manual to an auto and vice versa, it can be an expensive procedure and it can hinder the long-term reliability of the car. Moreover, as transmission technology has changed, the differences in transmission in terms of their mileage and resale value have decreased but they still exist. In certain markets and for certain vehicles you might be better off getting one over the other, though it all does boil down to personal preference. Make your decision based on the factors mentioned above and be sure to do your own research to make an informed decision.