The debate about which is better - “mechanics” or “automatic” (talking about the types of transmission in cars) lasts for years and does not stop even now, when the differences between mechanical and automatic transmissions are gradually erased. And the virtues attributed to them become common. But modern drivers are still often asked this question - for example, when they purchase their vehicles or choose a driving program in a driving school. Therefore, an attempt to answer the question as objectively as possible will not be superfluous. And we will build on the main parameters to which drivers attach the greatest importance.The debate about which is better - “mechanics” or “automatic” (talking about the types of transmission in cars) lasts for years and does not stop even now, when the differences between mechanical and automatic transmissions are gradually erased. And the virtues attributed to them become common. But modern drivers are still often asked this question - for example, when they purchase their vehicles or choose a driving program in a driving school. Therefore, an attempt to answer the question as objectively as possible will not be superfluous. And we will build on the main parameters to which drivers attach the greatest importance.
For an experienced driver who spends a lot of time outside the city, the difference between “mechanics” and “automatic” will not be so significant. And the beginner will definitely see her. Firstly, it’s much harder for a beginner to master a manual gearbox: smoothly working the clutch pedal is far from immediately, as well as quickly shifting gears, therefore, for novice drivers the clutch is often “lit”.For an experienced driver who spends a lot of time outside the city, the difference between “mechanics” and “automatic” will not be so significant. And the beginner will definitely see her. Firstly, it’s much harder for a beginner to master a manual gearbox: smoothly working the clutch pedal is far from immediately, as well as quickly shifting gears, therefore, for novice drivers the clutch is often “lit”.
Secondly, the city often has to move at low speed and stand in traffic jams. In such conditions, the machine is more convenient: you do not need to constantly switch, worry about the state of the transmission. As a bonus, the driver is less tired, as multiple changes require great concentration and attention.Secondly, the city often has to move at low speed and stand in traffic jams. In such conditions, the machine is more convenient: you do not need to constantly switch, worry about the state of the transmission. As a bonus, the driver is less tired, as multiple changes require great concentration and attention.
Advantages of Manual Transmission
- it is cheaper to buy and repair it
- the accelerating dynamics of the car is always higher than that of the “automatic machine” - the driver himself chooses a driving style and can quickly accelerate the engine to the desired mark as quickly as necessary at the moment
- engine power and its torque is used at full
- you can start the engine even without a working ignition and with a dead battery (for example, from a pusher)
- no problems with towing - the car on the "mechanics" can be towed on a hitch of any type at any distance, the machine - only a tow truck
- it is easier to start engine in frost - the driver, depressing the clutch pedal, disconnects the transmission from the cold engine, reducing the load on the starter. The second point - the transmission oil in the cold becomes viscous, in the manual transmission it is less, therefore, the resistance to parts is less
- there are no problems with driving on winter roads or off-road - the driver can safely slip without fear that the oil will overheat, which is quite typical for automatic transmission
Disadvantages of Manual Transmission
- the driver gets tired faster, especially in the conditions of busy city traffic
- more difficult for beginners to master - they constantly “stall” at traffic lights
- driver inexperience can cause premature clutch and engine failure
Advantages of Automatic Transmission
- driver get's less tired
- engine life is an order of magnitude higher - when the driver of the "mechanics" accelerates the engine to the "red mark" in a few seconds, it does not always take into account the engine's readiness for such loads, respectively, the engine wears out faster. The automatic box protects the engine from overloads, as it independently selects the most optimal moment for shifting to high or low gear
- the time interval between transitions between gears is reduced - the “machine” switches speeds much faster than the most virtuoso driver on the “mechanics” - to survive the clutch, shift gear, release the clutch. For this, the “automatic machine" needs much less than a second.
- there is no risk that the car stalls at a traffic light or rolls back when trying to move on a slope
- the driver of the car is given a choice of several modes - including the manual version, which allows you to use several advantages inherent in the "mechanics"
Disadvantages of Automatic Transmission
- higher cost of modifications with the "automatic" more expensive, complex, resource-intensive repair of the checkpoint when it fails
- higher fuel and oil consumption
- difficulties with towing - towing on a rigid or flexible hitch will not work, only with the help of a tow truck
- it is impossible to start the car if the battery is exhausted engine braking is not available in all available control modes (usually there are three such modes)
As you can see, the question is automatic or mechanic, is not very simple and ambiguous. Someone needs comfort and fast driving training, which gives an automatic transmission. Someone needs a “handle” - you need to spin the engine to the limit in order to feel speed and drive, this gives a mechanical transmission. In any case, both transmissions have the right to life.