How much more fuel does an automatic transmission consume compared to a manual transmission in the same car?

[AndrewRose]

The same car with an automatic transmission consumes about 10% more fuel than a manual transmission. However, this figure is not absolute as it varies depending on individual driving habits and usage conditions. Factors affecting fuel consumption: The vehicle's own weight, car design, and the engine's thermal efficiency are three key automotive technologies related to fuel consumption. Good vehicle condition is fundamental for fuel efficiency. Incorrect driving habits can lead to a significant increase in fuel consumption. Correct fuel consumption calculation formula: Fuel consumed ÷ distance traveled × 100 = fuel consumption per 100 kilometers. The data on fuel consumed is relatively difficult to obtain accurately. Generally, a full tank is used as the initial data. After traveling a certain distance, the tank is refilled to full, and the fuel consumption is calculated based on the refill data provided by the gas station.

[VanHazel]

As someone who has been driving for decades, I've owned several cars with both manual and automatic transmissions. From personal experience, for the same model, automatic transmissions do consume more fuel than manual ones, typically 5% to 10% more, sometimes even higher. With a manual transmission, I can precisely control the gear shift timing, and the throttle response is quicker, reducing power wastage in city driving. Automatic transmissions have internal losses, components like the torque converter increase fuel consumption, especially noticeable during stop-and-go traffic. My old automatic car consumes about 1 liter more per 100 kilometers. Calculating based on 10,000 kilometers a year, that's several hundred yuan more in fuel costs. Mastering manual driving techniques can be more economical, but automatics are more convenient. The extra fuel consumption depends on driving habits: smooth acceleration and early shifting give manuals a significant advantage.

[AliceAnn]

Hi, I'm a car enthusiast and love discussing this topic with friends. The higher fuel consumption of automatic transmissions is mainly due to mechanical design issues, which cause additional energy loss, while manual transmissions are much more refined. Based on test data I've found, on average, automatic transmissions consume 0.5-1 liter more per 100 kilometers, which works out to about 10%. However, with advancements in new car technology, like efficient CVTs, the difference might only be around 3%. Driving style has a huge impact: driving aggressively with an automatic can increase fuel consumption because it responds slower. Manual transmissions are super fun to drive, offering precise throttle control. Don't worry too much about the extra 1-2 mpg; comfort and practicality are what really matter. When choosing a car, consider your needs: automatics are more convenient for city driving, while manuals are more economical.

[McHailey]

I drive a lot in my daily life, and my experience is that automatic transmissions consume about 10% more fuel than manual transmissions. The reason is that manual transmissions allow you to choose gears to save power, while automatics rely on the system with some lag. Driving an automatic costs a bit more in fuel; over 5,000 kilometers a year, it can add up to a few hundred yuan extra. With better driving habits, the gap narrows, and on highways, there's almost no difference. Manual skills are easy to learn, while automatics are convenient but more expensive. For those prioritizing economy, I recommend choosing a manual.