Many South Africans have experienced driving both an automatic and manual car. It all depends on a driver’s preferences as to which is better to drive. A closer look at both types of gearboxes may reveal some facts you didn’t know before. Both types of vehicle transmissions have their advantages and disadvantages, which should be considered beforehand.
Car licenses1
A car license for a manual car also covers an automatic car, but a license for an automatic car does not cover a manual vehicle.
Are manual cars cheaper?1,2
Usually, yes, because more complex automatic gearboxes are considerably more expensive to make compared to manual ones. Also, automatic gearboxes might need to be serviced more regularly, and repairs could be more costly than automatic gearboxes. The flip side of this though is that clutches are also expensive to replace in manual gearboxes.
Driving an automatic car1,2
It’s easier to drive an automatic car, seeing that you don’t have to stress about the clutch and shifting into the correct gear. This is particularly useful when commuting in heavy traffic every day. Also, automatic cars are also beneficial where drivers have some physical handicap.
Which one is quicker off the mark?1
Manual cars are often lighter so they could accelerate faster and lose less power. This is the reason why sports car enthusiasts prefer manual cars over automatic ones.
Is an automatic car safer? 1
It may be safer to drive as you can always steer with both hands, which is not the case when driving manual cars.
Which is less likely to be stolen? 1
Although hard evidence is lacking, there is the notion that automatic cars are easier to steal than manual ones.
Manual cars provide improved control1
A manual transmission provides improved driving control, such as changing down gears to slow the vehicle down.
The joy of driving a manual1,2
When driving a manual car, you decide when to change gears. This allows some drivers to feel in control compared to driving an automatic car. Drivers can have a lot of fun putting a manual car through its paces by reaching top revs before changing gears.
Stopping on an incline1
This is no problem for an automatic car, seeing the ‘drive’ position of the gearbox allows the car to creep forward at all times. With manual cars, you have to apply the handbrake timeously and release it without allowing the car to roll backwards. Moving up a hill can be challenging when using a manual gearbox, but never a problem with automatic transmissions.
Automatic gearboxes are not the answer to driving challenges1
The car you prefer to drive depends on your likes and dislikes. Although driving an automatic car in traffic cannot be beaten in terms of ease and comfort. Some budget car makers and supercar manufacturers may consider promoting their manual car models. Automatic models could be less desirable from a cost perspective for the intended purchaser of a budget car or perceived as less sporty for potential supercar buyers.
If you are operating on a tight budget, a manual car may be for you or perhaps you could save up for an automatic model? Are you in the market for affordable car insurance as well? Why not contact PMD for more information on their affordable car insurance products with unique benefits such as premiums that never increase*? T’s and C’s apply.
This article was prepared by Eric Sandmann in his personal capacity. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own. The views and opinions in the article should not be attributed to anyone but the author unless expressly stated. Nothing in this article should be relied upon as advice, this publication is presented for informational purposes only. No person should act or refrain from acting in reliance on any information found in this article, without first obtaining proper financial advice from the appropriate professional. The author makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, or completeness, of any information linked from, referred to, or contained in this article. The author reserves the right, to edit and change the content of this article.
Sources:
2https://www.confused.com/buy-a-car/tips-for-buying/automatic-versus-manual-cars