Automatic or Manual? The ultimate question before you buy a new car. While manual cars have dominated the Indian market for ages, the new era of Automatic cars are definitely catching up. The car community is divided between the two, the classic lovers prefer the manual transmission, whereas newcomers prefer the ease and comfort of automatic transmission.
What is Manual Transmission?
A rider manually shifts gear using a gear box and a clutch pedal to control the car's speed and torque. This system of manually shifting the gear is called manual transmission. The first recognizable manual gear box was manufactured by Renault in 1894. Over the years as the technology developed, synchromesh systems were introduced making the process even smoother. Even after automatic transmission was introduced, many drivers still prefer manual transmission for better control and efficiency.
How Does Manual Transmission Work?
In Manual Transmission, the driver has to change gears himself by:
- Pushing down the clutch pedal to disconnect the transmission from the engine
- Changing the gear in the gear box
- Slowly releasing the clutch to reconnect the transmission and give power to the wheels
What is Automatic Transmission?
In automatic transmission, the driver does not need to change the gears himself. The clutch pedal is absent in an automatic car. Automatic transmission uses the speed, throttle pressure and engine load to determine and change the gears automatically. The first automatic transmission was the Hydra-Matic, introduced by General Motors in 1939. Automatic transmission is comfortable and convenient and ideal for moving through the traffic.
How Does Automatic Transmission Work?
In automatic transmission, the car itself senses and changes the gear depending on speed throttle pressure and engine load.
- The driver puts the car in “Drive” mode
- It Uses a “Torque Converter” Instead of a Clutch
- Then the car uses special gears (Planetary gears) which switch the gears for you automatically.
- The car uses transmission fluid pressure to move components inside the gearbox.
- A computer (ECU/TCM) reads inputs like speed, RPM, throttle position, and brake usage and guides the transmission fluid on where and how to shift the gears.
Pros and Cons of Manual Transmission
A manual transmission is hard to learn, but comes in handy in many situations. Here are a few pros and cons of Manual Transmission.
Pros:
- Better fuel efficiency
- Low Cost and Maintenance
- More control of the car
- Simpler mechanical components
Cons:
- Harder to learn (specially for new-comers)
- Tiring in traffic
- Makes the vehicle stop in case used incorrectly
- Lower resale value
Pros and Cons of Automatic Transmission
While automatic transmission is convenient and comfortable, it can give out on you under certain situations. Here are a few pros and cons of automatic transmission:
Pros:
- Very easy to drive, specially in traffic
- Great for beginners
- Smoother ride with no jerks due to clutch/gear shifts
Cons:
- More expensive cost and maintenance
- Less control over the vehicle
- Has complex components, expensive to fix
- Less engaging for car enthusiasts
Difference Between Manual and Automatic Car
The most basic difference between the two types of cars is one requires manual shift in gear, one provides automatic change. Other such differences include:
| Feature | Manual Car | Automatic Car |
|---|---|---|
| Gear Shifting | Driver shifts gears manually using a gear stick | Car shifts gears automatically |
| Clutch Pedal | Yes – driver must press clutch to change gears | No clutch pedal – everything is automatic |
| Ease of Driving | Harder, especially in traffic | Easier, especially for beginners and in city driving |
| Control | Full control over gear selection | Limited manual control |
| Fuel Efficiency | Often more efficient in older models | Modern automatics are now equally or more efficient |
| Cost | Usually cheaper to buy and maintain | More expensive to purchase and to repair |
| Driving Experience | More engaging – good for enthusiasts | More relaxed and smooth |
List of Automatic Cars in India
The car market has shifted towards making automatic cars in India gradually. Here is a list of top selling automatic cars in India. (Note: Most of these cars come in both variants, check before buying).
Sedans
- BMW 3 Series LWB
- Hyundai Verna
- Honda City
- Volkswagen Virtus
- Toyota Camry
SUVs
- Mahindra XUV700
- Hyundai Creta
- Mahindra XUV 3XO
- Tata Nexon
- Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line
- Mahindra BE 6
- Tata Curvv
- Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder
- Nissan Magnite
- Honda Elevate
Hatchbacks
- Maruti Suzuki Fronx
- Maruti Suzuki Ignis
Which is Better: Automatic or Manual Car?
So the final decision comes- Which transmission is better? Well, the answer isn’t as easy. Both automatic and manual transmission have their ups and downs. It all comes to the customer’s needs. If you are a driving car enthusiast that wants full control over the car, go for manual transmission. If you look for comfort and city commuting through traffic, automatic transmission is your answer. You should consider the following points before making a decision:
- Budget (Automatic cars are expensive)
- Daily Commuting or Casual driving
- Where you want to drive (Manual transmission out do automatic transmission on hill slopes)
- Use of EVs (All EVs have automatic transmission)
- Car Variants (Not all variants have automatic transmission)
- Beginner or Expert Driver (If you are a beginner, automatic transmission will suit you better)
Summary
To sum it up, manual and automatic transmissions are a crucial part in a car, and an important decision while purchasing one. It is all a personal choice, both manual and automatic have their pros and cons. But whether you purchase a manual transmission car or an automatic transmission car, having good car insurance policy for your prized possession is important. Go buy car insurance today and you will be set to drive on the streets!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which car is better for Indian roads, manual or automatic?
If you travel through traffic, an automatic transmission car will be better, whereas if you are travelling through a hilly road, a manual transmission outshines. It all depends on the situation you are in.
What is the difference between manual and automatic transmission?
A manual transmission requires the driver to manually shift gears using the gear box and clutch pedal whereas in an automatic transmission, gear is automatically shifted as the driver puts the car in “D” mode.
Are automatic cars more expensive to maintain than manual cars?
Yes, automatic cars are more expensive because of expensive components, and high maintenance that comes with it.
Are manual cars faster than automatic cars?
Although popular opinion may say manual cars are faster, it all depends on the skills of the driver and other specifications of the car. New technologies are developing and automatic cars will be faster in the future.
Are automatic cars less fuel efficient compared to a manual car?
Yes, manual cars are more fuel efficient compared to automatic cars, but with modern technology this problem is gradually vanishing.
