Why Hasn't Manual Transmission Been Phased Out?

[DelWillow]

Manual transmission vehicles will not be completely phased out of the market due to their advantages such as lower price, reduced maintenance costs, and better fuel efficiency. Below is an introduction to manual transmission: Composition: By switching between different gear sets, gear changes are achieved. As the key component in distributing power, the transmission must have two major parts - the power input shaft and output shaft, along with the gears that form the transmission, constituting the most basic components of a manual transmission. Principle: The power input shaft is connected to the clutch, and the power transmitted from the clutch is directly passed to the gear set through the input shaft. The gear set consists of gears with different diameters, and different gear ratios result in completely different power transmission effects. The gear shifting during normal driving refers to changing the gear ratio.

[CassidyFitz]

As a driver with twenty years of experience, I firmly believe manual transmissions will never be obsolete because of the unparalleled joy of control they offer. With a manual, I can adjust gears anytime based on road conditions—like downshifting for instant acceleration when climbing hills or overtaking, a responsiveness no automatic can match. Driving a manual on winding mountain roads makes the car feel like an extension of my body; every gear shift perfectly syncs with the engine's roar, creating a fully immersive experience. Like many driving enthusiasts, I see manual shifting as a pure skill—it not only hones my technique but also deepens my understanding of the vehicle. Unlike passive automatic driving, manuals encourage active thinking, keeping you alert even at high speeds. This sense of engagement and accomplishment is the biggest resistance to phasing out manuals. Sure, they can be slightly tedious in city traffic jams, but for true driving lovers, the thrill more than outweighs the inconvenience.

[AnaMarie]

I'm a practical person who drives a manual transmission purely because it's cost-effective and reliable. Manual transmission models are typically 10,000 to 20,000 yuan cheaper than automatic ones when purchasing a car, and the long-term fuel savings are significant. Manual transmissions have a simpler structure, lower maintenance costs, and easier part replacements, making them less prone to malfunctions compared to automatics. In my daily commute, manual transmissions offer more direct responsiveness, especially when hauling cargo or navigating complex terrain, where gear control helps avoid power wastage. Many people find manual transmissions harder to learn, but for budget car users and families, they represent a longer-lasting and more practical choice. Manual transmissions are still widely used in many regions like Europe, proving there's still market demand for them. High reliability means fewer repairs, which is particularly important for budget-conscious users.

[Stone]

Choosing a manual transmission when learning to drive made me understand why it has endured. Driving a manual taught me to control speed and shift timing first, laying a solid foundation for driving. Later, driving an automatic became effortless because I understood engine principles. Manual transmissions enhance overall safety awareness, such as knowing to downshift to slow down in emergencies. It represents a traditional skill, ideal for beginners to build confidence.