How Much More Fuel-Efficient is a Manual Transmission Compared to an Automatic?
2 Answers
Generally, manual transmissions are 1-2 percentage points more fuel-efficient per 100 kilometers than automatic transmissions. Here are some fuel-saving tips: Control the throttle when going uphill: Avoid accelerating if possible. When a vehicle is climbing a slope, the engine load increases. If you press the accelerator to speed up, the instantaneous fuel consumption will rise easily. Coast in gear on flat roads: When coasting in gear on flat roads with good conditions, the engine reduces fuel injection due to the engine braking effect, leading to a decrease in instantaneous fuel consumption and stabilizing at a certain value. Most modern engines use electronically controlled fuel injection systems, and coasting in neutral has been proven not to save fuel. Moreover, coasting in neutral is a dangerous driving behavior explicitly prohibited by traffic regulations. Accelerate gently when starting: There's no need to pursue the push-back feeling during acceleration. A smooth and linear start is more practical and comfortable for passengers. For manual transmission vehicles, maintaining a steady start can effectively reduce instantaneous fuel consumption.
I've been driving a manual transmission for over a decade, and the fuel-saving effect is quite noticeable. Manual transmissions generally save 5% to 10% more fuel than automatics, depending on how you drive. If an experienced driver shifts gears smoothly and keeps the RPM in a reasonable range, the fuel consumption difference can reach up to 10%. But if you're often stuck in city traffic or have a habit of stomping on the accelerator, the gap may narrow. On a long-distance drive, my old manual car saves about 1 yuan per 100 kilometers compared to my friend's automatic version of the same model. Adding up the savings, driving 20,000 kilometers a year can save nearly 1,000 yuan. However, automatic transmission technology has really improved these days—cars with CVT transmissions are also quite fuel-efficient. When choosing a car, driving comfort should also be considered.