This is a question all drivers are faced with at least once in their driving lifetime. We recently had a pole on our Facebook page to settle the age-old debate: Manual or Automatic?
But our audience was torn, leaving us with no clear answer. So, we did the next best thing – we made a pros and cons list.
Automatic Pros:
- Easier to use – great for new drivers.
- Safe – both hands on the wheel while driving, which is also a massive plus for new drivers.
- More comfortable to drive – only two pedals to deal with and no need to concentrate on shifting gears.
- Better for hilly areas – your vehicle will operate efficiently no matter how steep the climb.
- Easier to drive in heavy traffic – move through heavy traffic without having to do more than push a single pedal.
Automatic Cons:
- More expensive to buy.
- More expensive to maintain because of its complex design system.
- Less fuel efficient as it relies on the torque converter to shift gears.
Manual Pros:
- More control – you can react faster to conditions/incidents on the road.
- Cheaper to maintain – requires way less maintenance than an automatic.
- More fuel-efficient.
- Usually cheaper than their automatic counterparts.
- Less likely to be stolen – turns out thieves prefer automatic.
Manual Cons:
- Need to take one hand off the wheel to shift gears.
- Working the clutch can become uncomfortable – especially in traffic.
- Learning how to drive a manual can take some time.
So, there you have it.
Honestly, we think in the end it all comes down to personal preference. Are you more of a ‘control over comfort’ kind of person or do you believe ‘comfort is priceless’?
Hi-Quiz Answer: True