Manual Transmissions Versus Automatics. My Divided Thoughts.

- by Atul H. Patel, Editor-in-Chief

I've had my manual transmission car about a year now.  I had grown up in an automatic transmission family, but as a car fanatic and an employee in various powertrain engineering and product marketing positions, my exposure to manual transmissions encouraged me to finally buy a manual Saab 9-3 SportCombi 2.0 T.  It didn't hurt that my two car enthusiast friends (who also happen to write for RealityDriven.com), almost ridiculed me for giving in to the easy availability of automatic transmission versions of the car I wanted.

I actually flew from Detroit to Manchester, New Hampshire to buy this car at a Boston dealership, (long story), and drove it back to the Midwest.  One year later, I must say that I have a love/hate relationship with the fact that I shift gears manually.  Perhaps part of it is my car itself and the big gap between the first and second gear ratios in conjunction with little torque until 2000 rpm.  The shifting action isn't the smoothest.  But I do like the clutch.  Design aside, living with any manual transmission vehicle is not like driving on a test track.  Driving is full of distractions, unexpected events, potholes and unsympathetic drivers of automatic transmissions.

Starting off from a light, even when done properly can make a manual transmission car seem like a slowpoke.  Shifting takes longer, and it takes mental attention.  Some people say you get to control the vehicle better, and that's true on the powertrain side, but I find that since my mind is occupied by shifting, I don't get to enjoy the rest of the vehicle, (like the handling), as much like when I'm driving around turns.  Perhaps it's me, but the human mind can only comprehend so many things at once.  I can guarantee that unexpected moves can be done more quickly on an automatic, but ones that are planned, such as accelerating out of a turn can be done quicker on a manual because the transmission doesn't know what you will want to do.  Once you are fully proficient, you can pass on the highway quickly with a manual whereas it is basically thought-free, (and subsequently faster) with an automatic.

On the fuel economy front, the gap between automatics and manuals has lessened to the point that it is negligible and sometimes favors automatics.  The manual version of my car revs faster on the highway because it doesn't have the benefit of torque multiplication from a torque converter.  Manuals tend to be cheaper, lighter and less complex, but they require eventual clutch replacement.  As for resale values, automatics are favored heavily except in some sporty vehicle markets.  With some models, you can't sell a manual easily unless you find somebody who's specifically looking for a manual.

Many automatics allow you to shift gears, but they sometimes prevent you from revving as high as you like.  You also don't get that direct connection with what is happening.  But that has even been watered down with manuals due to the advent of electronic throttle control.  I do see manual transmission vehicles as deterrents for theft, and drunk driving, but on the safety front, I have to believe an automatic is safer in a panic situation.  You have enough to worry about when your life flashes before your eyes.

No matter where you stand, the debate continues and it has become further muddled with the advent of DSG and other sequential transmissions that use multiple clutches.  But if you're on the fence, I say this… Automatics are for those that appreciate smoothness which usually coincides with efficiency.  Manuals are for those that want performance and continual attention and excitement.  I guess I like a little bit of both so I'm still torn.  I did keep my old automatic transmission car which is a nice relief when I get sick of shifting, but there are many times I find myself wanting to get into my manual Saab and drive.  I like the challenge of shifting smoothly and well.  When it goes right, I love the transmission.  When I shift poorly, I get de-motivated and I don't like the transmission as much.

You might agree or disagree with this quote which references my comments on your mind only being able to comprehend so much at one time.

"If you want to enjoy the drive, drive an automatic transmission.  If you want to enjoy driving, drive a manual transmission vehicle."

+ Atul

Comments

[Josh Dudley]

One comment,

You drive a car with a manual transmission, you steer a car with an automatic...

[christopherolliff]

My deat Atul....all I can say is if it does not have three pedals and a manual shifter, its RUBBISH!

[Josh L]

I have only owned and driven manual transmission cars. I agree, even after years of driving manual, I still get bogged down from time to time starting off from a stop. On the other hand, I think you would find if you drove your stickshift saab exclusively for several years you would find that it became so second nature that you dont even really notice yourself doing it. Quite often when on the highway I will try to shift into a higher gear, only to realize I am in the highest one already... You are right, tho, there doesnt seem to be much point. For the most part automatics have gotten so much better while manuals have hardly changed at all.

[Atul]

Josh and Chris,

Looks like the manual enthusiasts are more vocal. I still support what I wrote but I'm going to stick with the car. I guess it will take a little longer for my car to feel totally natural. My double-clutch rev-match downshifts are getting better and after a while longer I will get a complete feel for this car as I did for my older car which happens to be an automatic. I know exactly when it's about to shift or how I need to apply the throttle to get it to shift the way I want it to.

Josh L,
That's a good point that manuals haven't (apparently) gotten much better. Perhaps they had a head start on development relative to automatics. Plus manuals are limited by how good their drivers are!

[David]

I found your comments interesting. I recently purchased a 9-3, a 06 aero, with a manual and to be honest it is an expensive toy that I enjoy most of the time. I, like you, have found the shift from 1st to 2nd in this car to be a challenge; I don’t know if it’s me or a change in expectations, to much internet information. This is not my first manual, my 6th, but in the past I just drove without to much thought and looking back I can’t remember or comment on my skill level. I do know that I never went through a clutch, one exception - a 69 mopar with an oversized engine.

[Atul]

David,

Welcome fellow Saaber and thanks for the comment. Your tranny has different ratios than my 5 spd, but I think there's still a drastic ratio change from 1-2 on yours too. Try shifting earlier. It works for me sometimes because the revs don't drop so quickly and they're easier to "catch". That tranny is smoother shifting for sure, but I like the clutch take-up of my transmission a bit better. I just wish I had an extra gear for more efficient cruising.

[Johan]

I rarely hear of someone wearing out a clutch. Those people that do, usually have the bad habit of resting their left foot on the clutch while driving or by pressing the accelerator too early when shifting up.

I never wore out a clutch.
150 000 km (95 000 M) in a Renault 18
220 000 km (140 000 M) in a Mitsubishi Lancer
240 000 km (150 000 M) in a VW Passat TDi

The clutch on my Passat is wearing thin now but still isn't slipping. It is caused by pulling my boat out of the water on a steep ramp in Cornwall (UK).