Buying a car is an exciting moment for anyone – it gives us a sense of freedom and independence when we have our own vehicle. A lot of research goes into the car we plan on buying as well, such as the engine specs, gearbox, features, and driving experience. Here, we will be discussing which gearbox is better, a manual or an automatic.
The gearbox in a car, or any vehicle for that matter, enables the car to switch from one gear to another which powers the axle, and in turn, puts the car in motion. The transmission helps in spreading out the power delivery of the engine over the gears for a smoother and more efficient ride.
Manual Gearboxes are for the old souls – the ones who still enjoy using three pedals to get the feel of the traditional driving experience, enjoying the raw functioning of the car.
A vehicle with a manual gearbox is generally priced at a lower rate than the automatic versions as it uses simpler mechanics. Because of that, it also is cheaper to maintain as parts will be readily available, and won’t require as much work.
On top of maintenance costs, a Manual Gearbox drinks up less fuel than an automatic, especially in the older models. Also, in comparison, a manual gearbox could save up to more than 15% on fuel costs.
One downside to a manual, though, is the amount of effort required to drive in traffic. Living in a city filled with the hustle and bustle of motorists can be hell for a manual driver as it would require the constant need of depressing the clutch, then releasing it, or holding it halfway, and switching gears. It can get extremely hectic.
Driving an automatic feels luxurious, whether the car is a luxury model or not. The ease of driving, the stress-free thoughts of not having to switch gears, and the use of only one leg are the basics we get in an automatic vehicle.
Automatic gearboxes are a lot more easier to use as it negates the use of having to press a clutch entirely. Also, timing shifts in a manual are quite important and can take time to get used to, which is also why automatics are easier to get a hang of.
While driving up steep gradients, an automatic car would be an easier option as the driver wouldn’t have to worry about clutch control or stalling the car, and instead, just go on the gas to power the car.
The downside to vehicles with an automatic gearbox is the maintenance cost and purchasing costs. Automatic gearboxes have more parts than a manual, making it more expensive to manufacture. Maintenance costs are increased as fixing a problem requires the mechanic to go through more moving parts of the gearbox and put it back together.
Thoughts On Manual Gearbox Vs. Automatic Gearbox
It is now understood that an automatic gearbox is more expensive than a manual but more convenient, too. However, a driver will never get the same thrill of driving an automatic as they will in a manual. A car with a manual gearbox is way more fun to travel in as all the gears, power delivery, and stability of the car are all in the driver’s hand. The more skilled of a driver, the more fun we can have!
On the other hand, a vehicle with an automatic gearbox can have some good experiences, too – just not in the same way. In an automatic, comfort is normally first priority. The features found in an automatic are generally better and more refined than in a manual.
