What are the advantages of manual transmission compared to automatic transmission?
3 Answers
Compared to automatic transmission, manual transmission has the following advantages: 1. Price: Manual transmission models are usually cheaper than their automatic counterparts with the same configuration, typically by around 10,000 yuan. The two versions have identical configurations, exterior, and interior, with the only differences being that the automatic version includes tire pressure monitoring and cruise control. However, manual versions also often come with cruise control; for example, the Changan CS15 manual models (except the entry-level version) all feature cruise control. 2. Performance: If a manual transmission is of good quality and used correctly, it is almost impossible to malfunction and has a long service life. As long as the owner is willing, they can drive the car until it's scrapped without needing to change the gear oil.
As someone who enjoys a sense of control, I find driving a manual transmission particularly exciting! The coordination between shifting gears with my right hand and pressing the clutch with my left foot makes me feel like I'm having a real conversation with the car. Especially when driving on mountain roads, I can perfectly time my gear shifts—downshifting for instant acceleration or climbing steep slopes is noticeably quicker than with an automatic transmission. Plus, the manual version of the same car is clearly more fuel-efficient; every time I fill up, I calculate saving dozens of yuan compared to my friends with automatics. And let's not forget, maintenance is cheaper too—at least I don't have to worry about automatic transmission failures that can cost thousands in repairs.
I've been driving a taxi for almost twenty years, and manual transmission is synonymous with saving money for me. Besides the lower car price, with the same tank of fuel, a manual can easily get you dozens of kilometers more—that's real operational cost. Sure, pressing the clutch can make your leg sore, but replacing it is way cheaper than repairing an automatic transmission. Manuals are also incredibly reliable in critical moments. Last winter during heavy snow and skidding, I managed to get my car out of a snow pit thanks to skilled downshifting and half-clutch techniques. Automatics tend to react slower in such situations and are prone to overheating.
