Automatic vs Manual: Which Transmission is Better for You?

The automatic transmission has now become a common sight in the Indian car market. New car buyers now have another important decision to make in the buying process – choosing between an automatic or manual car. A basic understanding of how different an auto transmission is compared to a manual transmission, how each affects your driving, the cost of ownership and overall experience of a car. 

A transmission channels an engine’s power to the wheels of a car, using a set of different ratio gears. Gear selection allows the engine to run efficiently across different speeds. True to their names, the gear selection process is done manually by the driver in manual transmissions, or automatically by the gearbox in an automatic transmission cars. In this article, we take a deep look at the technology behind both types of transmissions and their merits and demerits.

What is a Manual Transmission?

In a car with a manual transmission, the engine transfers its rotational motion to the transmission via a clutch. The clutch needs to be disengaged by the driver, which tallows them to manually select the gear using the gear lever. A clutch is primarily made up of four components:

1. Clutch Pedal - It helps in engaging (clutch pedal pressed) and disengaging (clutch pedal not pressed) the clutch.
2. Clutch Disc - It is a round disc made of frictional material. It presses against the engine’s flywheel to transfer its rotational motion to the transmission. It is also commonly referred to as a clutch plate.
3. Pressure Plate - The clutch disc is held in its place against the flywheel by the pressure plate when the clutch is engaged, i.e., the clutch pedal is not pressed.
4. Release Bearing - It is a moving part controlled by pressing the clutch pedal. It separates the clutch disc from the flywheel.

People use their motor skills to drive a car and a manual transmission requires a good command over them. In a manual transmission car, all four limbs operate different controls. Automatic transmission cars require less effort. 

Furthermore, the left leg in a manual transmission car is fully dedicated to operating the clutch whereas the left hand is partially dedicated to changing the gear. In an automatic transmission car, only one hand is required to operate the transmission when the driver wishes to change from the forward gears to reverse, or vice-versa. Therefore, the learning curve for a manual transmission car is steeper than that of an automatic transmission car.

However, manual transmission cars are popular among driving enthusiasts as they allow greater control over power delivery during gear shifts. This allows drivers to maintain even the most minute degree of control over a vehicle’s momentum and stability.

What is an Automatic Transmission?

In an automatic transmission, there is no clutch pedal as the gear-shifting process does not require any human intervention. Instead, it is taken care of electronically by onboard computers. Originally, this function used to be taken care of by the Engine Control Unit (ECU). However, modern cars have separate Transmission Control Units (TCUs) that oversee the automatic functioning of the transmission. Primarily, there are four different types of automatic transmissions:

1. Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) - As the name suggests, an AMT makes use of a manual transmission. It has additional actuators that use hydraulic or electric assistance, or even a mix of both, to control the engagement and disengagement of the clutch and the shifting of gears.
2. Torque Converter - It is the oldest and most commonly used type of automatic transmission. It makes use of a mechanical device called a fluid coupling to transfer the engine's power to the wheels. The gears are arranged in a more complex arrangement compared to a manual transmission and are changed by the TCU using a hydraulic or electric actuator, although most modern cars use the latter.
3. Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) - Based on its name, a DCT has two clutch packs. One operates the even set of gears and the other operates the odd set of gears, with both of them being connected to the engine. Their engagement and disengagement can be independently controlled by the TCU. Using electric actuators, the onboard computer is also responsible for changing the gears for both the odd and even clutch packs. Compared to other types of automatic transmissions, the DCT is a recent addition to mass-market cars.
4. Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) - A CVT uses two pulleys connected by a belt, one each connected to the engine and the wheels. Unlike other automatic, or even manual, transmissions which have predefined ratios for each gear, the two pulleys can change their diameter to mimic infinite gear ratios. The diameter of the pulleys is controlled by the TCU.

Automatic cars have existed in India for over two decades now. However, it is only since 2017 that car buyers have seriously started opting for them. This is primarily because before then the automatic transmissions being offered on Indian cars were slower, more expensive and less fuel efficient than manual transmissions. 

However, since then the technology behind them has seen exponential growth and global technology has also arrived on Indian shores. This has mostly levelled the differences between automatic and manual transmissions. The only drawback remaining for automatic transmissions is their additional cost, a barrier that many car buyers have started breaking.

Their advent has also been fueled by rising congestion in urban areas with most big city-dwellers now opting for an automatic transmission over a manual one. The automatic transmission has started becoming popular in smaller cities as well, but it is yet to make any big impression in rural areas.

Comparing Automatic and Manual Transmission Cars: Key Factors

Automatic and manual transmissions have their own advantages and disadvantages. When comparing them, certain key factors need to be looked at to determine the best solution for anyone.

Ease of Driving

Manual transmissions require a driver to make synchronised movements to implement a gear shift. It’s a process that happens on its own in automatic transmissions which by default makes it the easier transmission to operate.

Fuel Efficiency

On the efficiency front, modern automatic transmissions have nearly come to par with manual transmissions and in some cases, have even gone beyond them. Manual transmissions have a maximum of six gears whereas certain automatic transmissions have up to nine gears. The availability of more gear ratios allows them to be highly fuel efficient, especially at highway speeds. On the contrary, manual transmissions return better fuel efficiency in the city as a driver has better control of when to shift a gear, in contrast to automatic transmissions which tend to shift more often than necessary at slower speeds. 

Cost of Purchase and Maintenance

Automatics are always more expensive than manual transmissions. The AMT is the least expensive type of automatic transmission and can cost ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh more than its manual counterpart. Torque Converters, DCTs and CVTs are all relatively more advanced transmissions and can cost between ₹1 lakh to ₹1.5 lakh more than their manual versions. A smart way to offset the added cost is by buying a used automatic car.

The two most common types of transmission maintenance are an oil change and a clutch change. This is applicable for both manual and automatic transmissions. However, both the oil and the replacement clutch tend to be more expensive in the case of automatic transmissions. Torque converters and CVTs don’t use a clutch and thus over their lifespan, they tend to be cheaper to maintain than manual transmissions. Also, in the event of a malfunction, automatic transmissions tend to cost more to repair than manual transmissions as they are more complicated.

Performance and Control

Manual transmissions have one big advantage over automatic transmissions. They allow drivers to change gears according to traffic conditions. On the other hand, automatic transmissions change gears based on various sensors present in a car. While most modern automatic transmissions get it right most of the time, they can sometimes fumble in slow traffic conditions and implement a gear change when not required.

Alternatively, automatic transmissions gain the upper hand when it comes to outright performance. Modern automatic transmissions can shift much quicker than the average human being while also being smoother.

Reliability and Longevity

Automatic transmissions rely on a lot of sensor data for their functioning and any electrical malfunction can throw them off. Manual transmissions are simpler in their construction and therefore they are more reliable.

Manual transmissions are also better suited to withstand dust and heat, two predominant factors in India’s climate. Automatic transmissions, especially DCTs, can sometimes struggle in these environments. Torque converters, AMTs and CVTs tend to be the more reliable automatic transmissions.

Resale Value

Indian car buyers have been migrating towards the automatic transmission in big numbers. This shift in demand has seen such cars now fetching a higher resale value compared to manual transmission cars. Historically, this was not the case in India and automatic cars used to depreciate much faster than manual transmission cars. 

Who Should Consider an Automatic Car?

For urban commutes, an automatic transmission car is the easier option as drivers don’t have to endure ‘clutch fatigue’ as in the case of a manual transmission. This becomes even more evident in traffic jams where one has to constantly keep slipping the clutch to move the car forward. If your daily commute features a lot of traffic, or you just want an easy car to drive and are willing to pay the added premium, then an automatic transmission will be the right choice for you.

It is easier to learn how to drive using an automatic transmission car. It can be useful for those who want to learn to drive only to be able to drive themselves around. Furthermore, it can be easier for those who have physical constraints to shift gears manually. Similarly, it's also great for those who prioritise convenience and aren’t necessarily enthusiastic about cars or driving.

Automatic transmissions integrate well with the electronics present in a car. For example, when using cruise control, an automatic transmission can automatically shift gears when the vehicle is accelerating to its set speed making it an effortless act. This is not the case with a manual transmission as the driver needs to shift gears as the car automatically accelerates to the set speed. You can experience such a convenience at a lower price than most new manual cars with a certified second-hand automatic car. 

Who Should Consider a Manual Car?

A manual transmission car is great for driving enthusiasts because it allows one better control over their car. Enthusiasts prioritise this control and thus tend to sacrifice the convenience of an automatic transmission feeling of engagement offered by a manual transmission.

The greater control over a car offered by a manual transmission is crucial in off-road conditions as it allows the driver to control the car’s momentum precisely over tricky terrain.

Lastly, a manual transmission car is always priced below its automatic transmission variants and can be a great way for those on a strict budget to toe the line. For those looking for an absolute steal, a pre-owned manual transmission car can be a great option.

Automatic vs Manual: Pros and Cons

Conclusion

It becomes clearer that manual transmissions offer better driver feel and engagement and are cost-effective whereas automatic transmissions offer better performance and ease of use. Ultimately, picking between these two types of transmissions will require you to understand how you intend to use your car. Once you have done that, you can cross-reference it with the pros and cons of each type, in turn simplifying your decision to choose between an automatic and manual transmission.