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