
Nowadays, mid-to-high-end cars are basically automatic transmission. The following are the differences between manual transmission and automatic transmission: 1. Learning period: Manual transmission cars are more complex than automatic transmission, so the learning period is different. Generally, learning manual transmission takes at least one month longer than automatic transmission. Moreover, due to the greater difficulty in learning manual transmission, the pass rate for the driver's license test is also lower. 2. Obtaining a driver's license: The manual transmission license is C1 level, while the automatic transmission license is C2 level. People with an automatic transmission license cannot drive manual transmission cars, but those with a manual transmission license can drive automatic transmission cars. 3. Cost: Because manual transmission is more difficult to learn and has a lower pass rate, its cost is cheaper compared to automatic transmission. Generally, the cost of learning automatic transmission is more expensive.

As a working professional, I drive around the city every day and notice that the new car market is now almost dominated by automatic transmission vehicles, especially in urban traffic conditions where manual shifting is too cumbersome. However, manual transmission cars haven’t completely disappeared. For instance, some entry-level economy models like the Toyota Yaris or Honda Civic still offer manual options in certain regions, and high-performance cars like the Porsche 911 also provide manual versions for driving enthusiasts. The advantage of automatic transmissions is their convenience—anyone can drive them without worrying about shifting techniques, and they’re especially handy in traffic jams where manual shifting can be tiring. Technological advancements have also driven this trend, with CVT or dual-clutch transmissions making driving smoother. From my experience, the used car market still has more manual transmission options, but most new buyers tend to go straight for automatics. In the long run, manual transmissions may gradually become less common in cities, but they remain prevalent in remote areas or specific countries. Overall, automatic transmissions are the dominant trend, though not absolute.

I'm a car enthusiast and have been following the automotive industry for years. In my opinion, manual transmissions are still alive and well in performance cars—not all vehicles are automatic. Brands like Ferrari or BMW M Series still offer manual versions, giving driving purists the chance to experience that raw connection. Automatics are indeed more widespread, especially in family cars and SUVs, with advancements like adaptive shift algorithms making driving easier and safer. Manuals sometimes have slight advantages in weight and fuel efficiency, but modern automatics are highly efficient. Global market data shows a decline in manual transmission share, but they remain popular in Europe and Asia. Personally, the direct mechanical feedback from a manual is something automatics can't replicate, so I hope manuals won't vanish entirely but rather become a niche choice.

As a mom of two, automatic transmission is a lifesaver when driving kids to school and shopping; manual transmission is prone to mistakes in the chaos and becomes unsafe when distracted. I notice most new cars on the market now follow the automatic route, especially family SUVs like the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4, which hardly offer manual options anymore. Manual transmissions are only common in some economy cars or developing countries, like India where manual cars are still prevalent. For daily life, the convenience and effort-saving of automatic transmission are key, and it's less tiring when learning to drive. I think this trend will continue as urban congestion increases—people just want simplicity and efficiency.


