What are the differences between automatic and manual transmissions?
2 Answers
Differences between automatic and manual transmissions: 1. Different transmissions: Automatic cars use automatic transmissions; manual cars use manual transmissions. 2. Different driving methods: When driving an automatic car, you only need to switch to the desired gear, and the transmission will shift automatically; manual cars require manual gear shifting based on speed and RPM to switch to the appropriate gear. 3. Different clutch pedals: Automatic transmissions do not have a clutch pedal; manual cars have a clutch pedal. 4. Different gear markings: The gear markings on automatic transmissions are P, R, N, D, S, L; the gear markings on manual transmissions are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, R.
The most obvious difference between driving an automatic and a manual transmission is the liberation of the left foot. With an automatic car, there's just one brake and one accelerator, and you can simply shift to D (Drive) with your right hand to get going—especially convenient in traffic jams. Manual transmissions require constant clutch pressing and gear shifting, which can be tricky for beginners and often leads to stalling, making hill starts a nightmare. In terms of fuel consumption, automatics used to be gas guzzlers, but now dual-clutch and CVT transmissions are more fuel-efficient. Maintenance-wise, an automatic transmission oil change can cost over a thousand, while a manual one only a few hundred. However, driving a manual allows precise control of engine RPM, such as downshifting for a speed boost when overtaking, which feels exhilarating. Nowadays, except for taxis and car enthusiasts, most people buy automatics, and even many sports cars have phased out manual transmissions.
