The Auto vs. manual transmission debate is a never-ending one: some folks swear by the power and ease of a manual tranny and to this end, have NEVER bothered learning how to shift a traditional stick. Then, there are folks who call anything that shifts itself ‘thrash’ and will have nothing to do with it.
Somewhere in the middle are folks who don’t care what tranny powers a vehicle, if all other conditions are right. These are the ‘hybrid’ drivers who, based on their realities and neutral position, are qualified to speak on the debate and possibly end it.
I’m such a driver and person.
And, I’m qualified to end the auto vs. manual transmission debate once and for all.
Article Outline
My First Experience With a Manual Tranny
My first experience with a manual transmission was with a first gen Peugeot 504 – my father’s unit.
Powered with an engine that roared more than its displacement should have permitted, the four speed transmission was my first foray into the world of cars.
The first day I rode that vehicle, it was without any sort of assistance: I had mastered the process of gear shifting mentally and changed gears so many times (in my head) that I was already conversant with (all) the clutch moves.
It was an enjoyable experience and subsequently, I never had any issues driving (or enjoying the driving process) in the 504.
My First Experience With an Automatic Transmission
Eventually, the 504 was sold, and other cars bought, all manual trannies. However, somehow along the line, a 1994 (or was it 1996?) Honda Accord made its way to our home and I was excited to finally test what it would be like, driving an auto.
Immediately I got the chance, I took the vehicle for a spin and INSTANTLY, HATED IT!
The four speed transmission shifted fine (looking back) and the power was normal from what you’d expect from a four cylinder banger.
However, this was where my grudge came in: when I floored the motor, it made so much noise – without corresponding power. This thoroughly annoyed me.
On the freeway, I needed to do a lot of ‘calculations’ just to pass traffic. Sometimes, all that a nasty driver needed to do (to keep me ‘in line’) was simply push on their gas pedal and my attempts at passing would end in nothing.
To avoid collision with oncoming traffic too, I had to be careful: instead of simply ‘kicking the 504’ to the third gear and flooring the gas pedal to my satisfaction (as the motor picked up), I needed to make certain that no oncoming traffic was coming before making any passing maneuvers.
Driving ceased to be fun and it was at that point that I ‘officially’, started hating automatics.
But, the story was about to change, sooner than I had imagined.
Driving Both, Going Forward
During my university days, a friend brought his father’s ride to school, an S Klasse Mercedes, I believed it was.
I wasn’t eager about driving the vehicle when I understood it was an automatic. However, when I peeped inside, I was wowed: the luxury I perceived wasn’t something I had experienced up until that time.
I volunteered to fuel the vehicle and drive it to and from the farthest gas station I could think of.
My friend, believing that he had got an awesome deal couldn’t refuse. I got in the vehicle and floored it. It was a near fatal mistake!
We were thrown back in our seats as the S Klasse lurched forward. Holding unto the steering tightly, I managed to avoid the obstacles that presented themselves and came to a stop.
“Guy,” my friend asked. “What was that?”
“I don’t understand…is this not an automatic transmission?” I answered, not quite sure of both myself and what had happened.
“This is a V8!” He reprimanded me sternly. “It’s NOT a four cylinder engine!”
I sat back quietly and listened to him tell me how he ‘smokes’ everything on the way in that stately looking Mercedes. He added that he also does it effortlessly.
On the way to the gas station, I tried it. Just as my friend had said, I overtook everything that we came up, with ease and majestic grace.
That was the day I fell back in love with an auto tranny.
When an Auto Is Superior…
From the moment my friend shocked me with his dad’s powerful many cylinder engined car, I paid special attention to larger displacement engines with auto transmissions: they rode better and had none of the issues I had with my dad’s Accord.
Here’s my conclusion, for when an automatic transmission is superior:
- With a powerful engine. It doesn’t need to be six or eight cylinders…a turbo (or charger) works wonders.
- Due to the ‘challenge’ of shifting gears, an auto is perfect for cities with annoying traffic.
- An Auto is perfect with at least five forward gears. The four and three speeds leave much more to be desired.
But, there’s also the case for the manual tranny…
When a Manual Tranny Is Better
I fell in love with powerful engines and larger displacements many years ago. And, with these, auto trannies. However, unlike many arguing in the auto vs. manual transmission debate, I still maintain my love for manual trannies and as much as possible, try to keep one close.
This is where, in my observation, a manual beats an auto.
- For smaller displacement engines. I once drove a first gen Yaris (1.0 liter engine) with an automatic and I nearly slept on the wheel. I wondered what Toyota did there. The same vehicle, the same engine but with a manual was much more fun and engaging to drive.
- For long(er) journeys. As a matter of fact, any distance longer than 50 miles and without heavy traffic is heaven for a manual tranny.
- Scenarios where you must play with the gears or desire the greatest MPGs possible. This is where a manual is truly superior to an automatic.
Shiftable Automatics & Getting the Best of Two Worlds
In my experience, the folks who expressly prefer one transmission type over another are folks who, in a manual, hardly shift past the third gear and in an auto, always cruise on ‘D’.
However, if you drive a six speed manual and are found of the sixth gear (as you are of the first) or if you know what the ‘L’, ‘4’, ‘3’, ‘2’, ‘S’, ‘+’ or ‘-‘ stand for on the interface of your auto shifter, you’re likely not to focus on the type of tranny as much as its suitability for the job at hand.
In this wise, auto trannies with sports mode (as is common with most Mercedes) or shiftable automatic transmissions (as it is common with most Lexuses) are usually the missing link many drivers forget exist.
With an automatic that is either shiftable or powered with the sports mode option, you have the option of calm, relaxed automatic driving but also, open to the excitement of the manual tranny, when the occasion calls for it.
The ultimate of both worlds.
Auto vs. Manual Transmission: Which Is a Better Bet Today?
None, actually. Assuming you can actually drive a stick (very few vehicles today are offering the option from the factory and as a result, fewer overall drivers exist), then, a manual and an automatic transmission are simply a means to an end – nothing special in any of them.
What determines which is better will be the engine size, gearing available, road/driving conditions and an array of other matters that may come up during the drive.
These factors aside, a transmission is simply what it is: a mechanical means to transfer the power the vehicle’s engine makes to its wheels.
Auto DIY Notes…
From a DIY’s perspective, there are things to note, regarding the choice/preference of transmissions.
An automatic transmission will need fluid changes every thirty thousand miles or so (depending on actual manufacturer recommendations) to do its thing without issues.
It will also require a transmission filter change, once in a while. For a well manufactured automatic transmission, this is it; and will largely be all the maintenance needed to keep the transmission happy for its life.
A manual transmission, while simpler, also needs occasional fluid change (which many drivers ignore for the life of the transmission without any clear repercussions).
Don’t get happy yet: the clutch remains the weak point of a manual transmission: I’ve seen units that always need a new clutch every few months, even after changing both master and slave.
That said, contrary to what you may be thinking or have been led to believe, your best bet would be an auto transmission if you truly want to avoid touching the transmission components (or facing unexpected failures).
Automatics? Many are even ‘sealed’ for life…though, that is, in itself, a topic for another day.