What is the difference between an automatic transmission car and a manual-automatic transmission?

[DiLuke]

The differences between an automatic transmission car and a manual-automatic transmission: 1. Different functions: An automatic transmission car only has an automatic mode; a manual-automatic transmission has two modes, one is the automatic mode, and the other is the manual mode. 2. Different operations: An automatic transmission does not require shifting operations based on road conditions or driving situations; a manual-automatic transmission requires shifting operations based on road conditions and driving situations. When driving a manual-automatic transmission car on a long and steep slope, if it is left in D gear, the transmission will frequently shift, which can severely damage the transmission, and coasting in neutral is not allowed. Some people, in order to save fuel, shift the gear lever to N gear when driving at high speeds or going downhill, causing the transmission output shaft to rotate at a very high speed while the engine idles. This leads to insufficient oil supply from the transmission oil pump and poor lubrication conditions, which can ultimately cause the transmission to burn out and even lead to accidents.

[VincentRose]

This is quite a practical question. I usually drive an automatic transmission car, which means I don't have to worry about shifting gears at all—just step on the accelerator or brake. It's especially suitable for driving in traffic jams since it won't stall. As for the manual-automatic transmission, it's essentially an automatic transmission but with an added manual mode. There are paddle shifters behind the steering wheel or a gear lever that can be pushed to shift up or down. For example, when going down a long slope, I can use the manual mode to engage a lower gear and use engine braking to slow down, avoiding constant use of the brake pads. When overtaking, manually downshifting allows for quicker acceleration. So, for daily commuting, an automatic transmission is sufficient, but for those who enjoy more control or frequently drive on mountain roads, a manual-automatic transmission offers more flexibility.

[McClaire]

From a driving experience perspective, a manual-automatic transmission feels more like adding manual functions to an automatic transmission. When I drove my friend's car with a manual-automatic transmission, I could shift gears simply by flicking the paddle shifters on the steering wheel, which provided particularly quick response when overtaking on highways. While conventional automatic transmissions also have an S (Sport) mode, the shift logic is still controlled by the computer. The transmission structures of both are essentially the same, except that the manual-automatic version has an additional manual module. Fuel consumption is actually quite similar, but manual-automatic transmissions are slightly more expensive. Beginners are advised to start with an automatic transmission and try the manual-automatic version after gaining proficiency, as directly using the manual mode can easily lead to operational errors.

[DiDaisy]

I've studied transmission structures. Automatic transmissions are entirely controlled by a computer for gear shifts. The semi-automatic (Tiptronic) is essentially an automatic transmission with an embedded manual module, indicated by +/- signs next to the gear lever. The biggest difference in driving is the control: with a pure automatic, you're completely passive, whereas in M mode with a semi-automatic, you can decide the gear yourself. For example, manually locking in 1st or 2nd gear is particularly useful when climbing hills to prevent frequent gear shifts that could harm the transmission. However, note that the manual mode in a semi-automatic isn't a true mechanical linkage – the computer will still intervene to protect the engine if the RPM is too high during downshifting.