Table of Contents
Manual vs Automatic Transmissions: Making the Right Choice for Your Car
How does each transmission work?
Pros and cons of manual transmissions
Pros
Cons
Pros and cons of automatic transmissions
Pros
Cons
Mazda's approach to transmissions
Buying a new car is a great feeling, but it sometimes comes with a few challenges. One such challenge is deciding whether to opt for a manual or automatic transmission. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, so today we will compare manual vs automatic cars to help you decide which option best suits your needs.
How does each transmission work?
In a manual transmission, also known as a stick shift, the driver is responsible for shifting gears. This is done by pressing the clutch pedal, which disengages the transmission from the engine, allowing the driver to shift gears using the gear stick. The driver then releases the clutch pedal, which re-engages the transmission and the engine.
An automatic transmission, on the other hand, does not require the driver to shift gears manually. Instead, it automatically shifts gears based on factors such as engine speed, throttle position, and vehicle speed. Automatic transmissions use a torque converter, which is a type of fluid coupling, to connect the engine to the transmission. This allows the transmission to change gears without the need for a clutch.
Pros and cons of manual transmissions
Manual transmissions have their own set of advantages and disadvantages, which can make them an appealing or less attractive option depending on your personal preferences and driving needs. Below are the pros and cons of manual transmissions.
Pros
Fuel efficiency: manual transmissions often provide better fuel efficiency than automatic transmissions, mainly because they have less parasitic loss and don't require the same level of fluid pumping.
More control: manual transmissions give drivers more control over their vehicle. You can choose the most appropriate gear for any situation, whether it's for more power when overtaking or engine braking downhill.
Lower cost: generally, manual transmissions are cheaper to purchase than automatic transmissions. They also tend to be less complex, which means that repairs, when needed, are usually less expensive.
Cons
Learning curve: mastering the operation of a manual gearbox requires time and practice. Drivers new to manual cars must learn how to coordinate the clutch, throttle, and gear shifter to drive smoothly. This initial learning curve can be intimidating and frustrating for some.
Inconvenience in traffic: driving a manual car in stop-and-go traffic can be tedious. Constantly shifting gears and operating the clutch can become tiring and inconvenient when compared to simply letting an automatic transmission handle the gear changes.
Resale value and demand: in regions where manual transmissions are less popular, it can be more difficult to sell a manual car or get a good resale value. The decreasing demand for manual gearbox vehicles means that you may face a smaller pool of potential buyers when it comes time to sell.
Pros and cons of automatic transmissions
Automatic transmissions have become increasingly popular over the years, but much like their manual counterparts, they come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Below are the pros and cons of automatic transmissions.
Pros
Ease of use: one of the primary benefits of automatic cars is their ease of use. With automatic gearboxes, drivers don't have to manually operate the clutch and shift gears, making it a more straightforward and accessible driving experience, especially for new or inexperienced drivers.
Convenience in traffic: automatic transmissions shine in stop-and-go traffic. Since the gearbox handles all the gear changes, drivers can focus more on the road and other aspects of driving, such as steering and braking. This is particularly advantageous in heavy traffic conditions where constant gear shifting in manual cars can be tiring.
Adaptive technology: many automatic cars come with adaptive transmission technology that adjusts gear-shifting patterns based on driving conditions and driver behaviour. This can improve fuel efficiency, optimise performance, and provide a smoother driving experience.
Cons
Fuel efficiency: historically, automatic cars have been less fuel-efficient than manual cars. Although advancements in automatic gearbox technology have improved fuel efficiency, there still can be a slight disadvantage in some cases compared to manual transmissions.
Higher initial cost: automatic transmissions are generally more expensive than manual transmissions. The additional cost is due to the complexity of automatic gearboxes and the advanced technology they incorporate.
Mazda's approach to transmissions
Mazda's dedication to driving pleasure is perhaps best embodied in its Skyactiv® Technology which includes cutting-edge transmission systems for both manual and automatic cars.
Skyactiv®-MT is a manual transmission that exemplifies the brand's driver-centric approach. This lightweight, compact transmission is designed to provide quick and precise gear changes, allowing the driver to feel a direct connection to the vehicle and the road. The system is available in the iconic Mazda MX-5, offering a more engaging and spirited driving experience.
Skyactiv®-Drive is an automatic transmission that combines the best characteristics of various transmission types, such as conventional automatic, continuously variable, and dual-clutch transmissions. The result is a versatile and responsive transmission system that provides smooth and quick gear changes while maximising fuel efficiency. This system is present in most of the range, including the new Mazda CX3.
If you are looking for more information on manual vs automatic Mazdas, contact us today or visit our dealership in Melville.
FAQs
Modern vehicles come in two different transmission types – automatic or manual. In a manual transmission, the driver is responsible for shifting the gears, while in a vehicle with an automatic transmission, the car does the shifting for you.
Which lasts longer, manual or automatic transmission? ›
Manual transmissions require less servicing to remain functional and don't need the same type of oil as an automatic transmission. Cars with a stick-shift usually last longer than an automatic of the same make and model.
Why do people prefer manual over automatic? ›
Apart from being more involved in the driving experience, you also have more control over the vehicle. Further, manual cars are less expensive for repair and maintenance. They're also more likely to be fuel efficient than many automatic vehicles.
What are the disadvantages of automatic cars? ›
The disadvantages of an automatic gearbox:
- Gives the driver less control.
- You have less contact with the engine.
- Any failure may be more costly to fix.
- If you learn to drive using this technology, you may have problems with manual gears later.
How Long Does Your Transmission Last?
| Transmission Quick Facts |
|---|
| Transmission Lifespan Without Maintenance | 100,000 miles or less |
|---|
| Transmission Lifespan with Proper Maintenance | 300,000 miles or more |
| When to Change Automatic Transmission Fluid | Every 30,000 miles |
| When to Change Manual Transmission Fluid | Every 30,000 to 60,000 miles |
If you do a lot city driving, an automatic may be easier to maneuver through stop and go traffic than a standard transmission. However, if performance and the driving experience matters to you, you might want to consider a manual. Another factor to keep in mind is if there'll be other people driving the vehicle.
Why are manual transmissions going away? ›
The average manual driver is not always so proficient. In getting the gear right, automatics consume less fuel, save money and emit fewer emissions. These are among the reasons why it's ever harder to buy a new manual-transmission model of any kind in many countries.
Which is cheaper to repair, manual or automatic? ›
Expensive to maintain — Automatic transmissions are more complex than manual. With a variety of working parts, they often take longer for mechanics to repair, ultimately becoming costing a driver more over time.
Why driving a manual is better? ›
One of the biggest benefits of driving a manual car is more engagement with the driving experience. When you drive a manual transmission vehicle, you need to make more decisions about driving based on road conditions, speed, road incline, and more.
Is manual more safe than automatic? ›
In simple terms, neither manual nor automatic cars are definitively safer overall. Safety depends on factors like the driver's skill, road conditions, and the car's design but Automatic cars are considered a bit safer because they let drivers concentrate more on the road without the extra task of shifting gears.
Harder to learn – Manual driving lessons are more demanding than automatic lessons. One reason for this is how hard it can be to learn the clutch pedal. It takes time to learn how your car operates, which in turn makes driving tests harder to pass and the number of lessons you need higher.
Are manual cars more reliable? ›
Manual transmissions have simpler and fewer parts than automatics do, which in theory should make them more reliable. With an experienced stickshift driver, that's probably the case. However, because manuals require more driver involvement, there's more opportunity for the driver to cause damage.
What should you not do in an automatic car? ›
5 Things to Avoid When Driving Automatic
- Avoid Using the Neutral Gear while sliding the vehicle down a slope. ...
- Avoid Using Neutral while the car is at a stop light/traffic. ...
- Avoid changing gears while the car is moving. ...
- Avoid Coasting in Neutral. ...
- Avoid doing Launches.
“But they can sometimes cost more to buy and be more complicated to repair if anything goes wrong.” Although automatic transmissions are less likely to fail because the gears shift more smoothly, when they do fail, the fix can potentially be more expensive.
What is the life expectancy of an automatic car? ›
The Average Automatic Transmission Lifespan
An automatic transmission might last anywhere from 100,000 to 200,000 miles. As of 2022, the U.S. Department of Transportation concluded that the total average annual miles driven was 13,476. Therefore, drivers can get 7–15 years out of a well-kept automatic transmission.
Do manuals have transmission problems? ›
The manual transmission is a critical component in vehicles, allowing drivers to manually control power transfer from the engine to the wheels. Despite their durability, manual transmissions can develop problems due to wear, misuse, or lack of maintenance, potentially impacting performance and reliability.
Do manual cars have more problems? ›
Manual transmission cars require very little maintenance, and generally maintenance and repairs end up being significantly less costly. Be warned, however, because one thing that a manual has that the automatic doesn't have to worry about is the clutch, and if that thing quits on you, then you could be in trouble.
What hurts a manual transmission? ›
Keeping your car in gear when you're stopped can damage your transmission. It's easy to want to just keep the car in gear when you stop for ease of starting. However, it is much better for your transmission if you shift to neutral when you stop so that you are not keeping your clutch engaged.
Which is safer manual or automatic transmission? ›
In simple terms, neither manual nor automatic cars are definitively safer overall. Safety depends on factors like the driver's skill, road conditions, and the car's design but Automatic cars are considered a bit safer because they let drivers concentrate more on the road without the extra task of shifting gears.
