Manual Cars or Auto Cars? Which one is better for the economy and why?

1. 69

   mahsa setarehposted 8 years ago

   Manual Cars or Auto Cars? Which one is better for the economy and why?
   
   

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2. 86

   tsmogposted 8 years ago

   It is getting so much closer these days with 6-speed automatics becoming standard application. Remember the average size motor today hoovers below 2.0 liter by popularity compared with affordability. There IMO is an advantage still with a standard 5-speed manual with larger than 2.0 and heavier vehicles. An interesting point from several articles I read is that a manual transmission vehicle price is greater than the automatic version so we see a flip/flop from years ago. Their resale value drops and are harder to resell too.

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3. 84

   tamarawilhiteposted 8 years ago

   They don't have a difference on the national economy, though fuel economy is better with a well run manual / stick shift car.

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4. 63

   WheelSceneposted 7 years ago

   It really comes down to the driver more than the transmission:
   
   Manual cars will generally provide better fuel economy and lower maintenance costs HOWEVER this can easily be undone by the driver.
   
   If the driver is revving very high or accelerating often they will use more fuel with a manual transmission than with an automatic.
   
   If the driver is bad at shifting or rides the clutch they may have to install a new clutch prematurely which is often expensive.
   
   So, if you are an experienced driver who is looking to maximize fuel economy manual is the way to go.
   
   If you are just learning manual or tend to have a heavy foot you may be better off with an automatic.
   
   In terms of acceleration most automatics are more efficient then a driver with a manual transmission. But this does not mean that they are better in fuel economy.
   
   Understand your driving habits and needs if you have the time to learn and drive properly manual transmission is the way to go in my opinion.

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