People Often Ask What is Better a Manual Car or an Automatic Car?

Differences Between a Manual and an Automatic Car

Manual

Advantages

·        Having control of the clutch makes it easier to manoeuvre a car in tight situations, such as an awkward drive on a hill. Manual cars can be easier to move off in snowy conditions.

·        As you have to change gear, manual cars can seem to be more engaging, and for many people, more fun to drive than an automatic.

·        Cheaper to maintain as the transmission is simpler without complex and costly components. A clutch replacement is comparatively expensive. Clutches will eventually wear out.

·        Manual cars are cheaper to buy as automatic transmissions are quite expensive to make.

·        Manual cars are cheaper to insure if the model of the car has the option of an automatic. This is because automatic cars are more expensive for the insurers to replace.

Disadvantages

·        On a long journey, driving a manual car is more tiring. If you drive in a congested town or city, your left leg can ache because of the number of times you use the clutch.

Automatic

Advantages

·        As there is no clutch or need to select the right gear for the speed you are travelling, it is easier to drive an automatic vehicle. You need to select either drive, reverse, or park.

·        An automatic car changes gears seamlessly. Modern automatic gearboxes change the gears so smoothly. Although modern manual gearboxes are nice to use these days, it is easier to consistently drive smoothly in a modern automatic car.

·        Automatics are easier and more comfortable to drive in traffic congestion. It can be tiring constantly using the clutch in heavy traffic.

·        It could be safer as you do not have to take your hands off the steering wheel to change gear, which ensures you have the most control over the steering wheel.

Disadvantages

·        Automatic cars are more expensive to buy and insure.

·        If someone has driven a manual car for many years, especially if they are older, they might find it difficult to get used to driving an automatic car.

Driving Licences

·        When it comes to driving licences. The current UK pass rates are 49.7% for manual and 42.7% for automatic. Although it might be easier to learn to drive an automatic car, it is surprising that the pass rate is higher for a manual car. It has to be remembered that if you have an automatic UK licence, you cannot drive a manual car without L plates in the UK.

·        In the UK, insurers have an additional charge for drivers of automatic licenses. For young people below 25, these additional premiums can be quite large. Therefore, if you are a young person but want an automatic car, it might be prudent to gain a manual licence.

Summary

In many ways, it is a personal choice whether to buy a manual or an automatic car. However, if you live in a conjected town or city or you unfortunately have mobility issues, an automatic car would be a good choice. Modern automatics are fuel-efficient these days, so buying an automatic does not have the fuel consumption penalty of the older three-speed automatic gearboxes. The current view is that electric vehicles will be the future fuel source of all cars and vans, and these vehicles have automatic transmissions.