buying a new car is a really big deal, and you are not sure about whether you want a car with a manual or automatic transmission. This lesson will educate you how to choice, and you will understand the differences between each other. Then you should decide which transmission type is the best for you.
@ basics studies:
- the manual transmission and the automatic transmission each allow the engine to operate in its narrow range of speeds while providing a different range of speeds. Without a transmission, cars would be limited to one gear only, and this gear would have to be selected to allow the car to move at the selected speed.
- If you wanted a top speed of 80 mph (for example), then the gear would be selected on fourth gear (in most manual transmission cars). If you tried driving a manual transmission car using only 4th gear, you would find out that you had no acceleration when starting the car. also it would wear out very quickly and you would not be able to drive it.
@ power Consideration:
- the most power from the engine, go with a manual transmission versus an automatic one is most suitable study.
for ex, an automatic equipped Dodge Neon has a reported 0 – 60 MPH with time of 10.5 seconds. The same Neon when equipped with a 5-speed manual has a reported 0 – 60 with time of 8.1 seconds,2.4 is a very long time. While most cars do not have this large of a 0 – 60 MPH gap between auto and manual transmissions, for other type of cars you will receive better performance from a manual gearbox.
- the car that receives 200 horsepower at 7,000 RPM, the automatic transmission will up-shift for full throttle at only 6,000 RPM, the full amount of power that your engine was made to offer is missed. the engine often stampes with a 200 horsepower rating, but as the car is equipped with an automatic that up-shifts too soon, you will miss up to 20% of the engine power.
- with most manual transmissions, you can take the engine revs to the red limit and pass it. This lets you to get the most power to the front and rear wheels for full throttle launch.
@ semi-automatic transmission Consideration:
- If you want a car for power and for everyday using, you should consider a semi-automatic transmission. Usually, they're found on the sport cars. simply, they are an automatic transmission with the option to go manual.
- the manual mode, isn't the common gearshift, but a(+) on the top and a(-) on the bottom allows you to shift up and to downshift.
@ fuel economy issue Consideration:
- going with a manual transmission is the best choice if there is an issue, although it is far from your only choice. Many newer cars with automatics have an EPA rating of only 1 or 2 MPG less than the same model car equipped with the manual.
- There are exceptions to this rule. Some vehicles get better mileage (5 mpg or more) as an automatic compared to the manual, most notably in like the PT Cruiser. If this is the case, most people are not going to save a big amount of money on fuel expenses going with the 5-speed manual (especially for city driving). Since the most of drivers do not manually shift for economy, the 1 or 2 MPG that is lost with the automatic can easily be gained.
@ maintenance costs consideration:
- most automatic transmissions still need to be serviced far than manual transmissions . Manual transmissions are much cheaper to be fixed for mechanical problems. the manual transmission costs you less to repair than the automatic in the same type of car.
- also, The clutch disc in manual transmissions needs to be replaced sometimes. There are many factors that determine how long a clutch will last such as driving style, the material the clutch disc is made of, and the amount of (city vs highway) driving. Clutch replacement can cost several hundred dollars if performed at a repair shop.
@ Identify your needs:
- if you are looking to buy a 1.5 liter car that pumps out 62 horsepower you will need to go with a manual transmission. power in this case is extremely limited, you will need the most out of your engine for passing power, hill climbing, etc.
- at the other side, if you are looking to purchase a car with a V8 or V6 that provides power at both high and low revs, then going with a manual transmission is not required.
Other things to consider:
- An automatic transmission car is better for starting out on a hill than a manual transmission one.
- A newer automatic transmission car has more electronic controls than a manual transmission one.
@ Do you really like the manual transmission?
- Some people can't have a car with a manual transmission for many reasons. They might be unwilling to learn to use one. They might need to share the car with someone who doesn't know how to operate a manual, etc.
- what ever the reason you have. search for an automatic that has a good shift patterns and a good fuel economy.
- If you love to drive a manual transmission, there are not many features to look for. Manual transmissions all have their own unique shifting patterns. Many are designed for fuel economy, others are designed for sport driving,.
@ are you a multi-tasker?
- if you are a multi-tasker then you qualify for a manual. Manuals need you to concentrate on track, shifting the gears at the same time, and road hazards, but if you like to have your right hand free at all times to multitask then you will need an automatic transmission.
- note: multitasking for many reasons, is a very bad driving practice, not to mention that it is illegal in lots of places.
finally, know that Manual transmission cars are less expensive than auto, Usually by $1000. also, In some countries for example the United Kingdom, your not allowed to drive with manual transmission if you took your driving test in an automatic. If you want to drive a manual, you must pass the test in a manual vehicle.
