Similarities between manual and automatic transmissions

Notify me of new posts by email. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed. Table of Contents. Manual Transmission Image Automatic transmission Image Leave a Reply Cancel reply Your email address will not be published. Iconic One Theme Powered by Wordpress. Basis of Comparison. Automatic Transmission. Additionally, motorists who can operate a manual transmission are able to drive virtually any type of automobile, anywhere in the world — including in countries where renting an automatic is easier said than done.

Three-speed manual transmissions were common in the s, the s, and even the s; the original Ford Mustang came standard with a three-speed. Engineering departments added gears as technology improved, and as cars got faster and the need for efficiency increased. The four-speed manual became the norm for decades, then five, and now six. However, some high-end sports cars — like the Porsche — offer seven gears. Believe it or not, a transmission that shifts gears on its own was once considered a luxury, and it was an expensive option on many models for a long time.

There are two basic types of automatic transmissions. A traditional automatic is connected to the engine via a hydraulic torque converter, and a dual-clutch automatic relies on — you guessed it; nice work — a pair of clutches. Both can change gears without any input from the driver. In many automatic cars, the gears can be selected manually using either the shift lever or paddles mounted behind the steering wheel.

Having only two pedals offers many advantages. An automatic typically requires less maintenance than a manual as well, though that can vary from model to model.

Finally, a dual-clutch automatic gearbox often shifts gears in mere milliseconds for greater performance and efficiency. Four-speed automatic transmissions were the norm in the industry for a long time, and a small handful of models still soldier on with just four gears. However, six- seven-, and eight-speed automatics are common today.

Honda builds a nine-speed ; Ford and General Motors even have a jointly developed speed transmission on the market. More gears mean better acceleration, quieter highway driving, and improved fuel economy. The third main type of transmission is the continuously variable transmission, a name usually abbreviated to CVT. That's not just because manual cars lack fuel-draining torque converters. It's also because manual cars have lighter transmissions. Like automatics, manuals have drawbacks.

Most importantly, many drivers find them cumbersome. Manually shifting gears and managing the clutch pedal takes a high level of dexterity and situational awareness, especially for drivers who didn't learn to drive manuals from the get-go.

Shifting gears in a manual requires taking a hand off the steering wheel periodically, making accidents more likely. Another downside to manual transmissions is that they're less common than automatics. Because so few people drive manuals, reselling a manual when you want to upgrade can be difficult. What's more, although some manual cars come with an automatic driving option, sports cars often don't, so you're stuck with what you have. In addition, the clutch in manual cars may need repairs or replacement after long-term use.

Missing gears while shifting wears out the clutch, and a clutch that fails while you're driving can put you in danger. Manual and automatic cars both come with benefits and drawbacks, but they're not your only options.

A third transmission type, the continuously variable transmission, is available as well. Though the driving experience is nearly the same as an automatic, technically, a CVT has a single gear. It uses a belt-and-pulley system to transfer engine power to the vehicle's wheels, allowing for infinite ratio gradients.

Fuel-efficient and relatively quiet due to their lack of gear-shifting, CVT transmissions are typical in hybrid vehicles. They offer a smoother, more seamless driving experience than either manual or automatic transmissions.

However, many drivers feel CVTs have slightly uncomfortable acceleration and handling, plus a faint drone that some find irritating. Just as manual cars are more common in Australia than in the U. There's also something called a dual-clutch transmission or DCT. Popular in Europe, this transmission type also acts like an automatic, but it uses two clutches, each with opposing gearing one has first, third and fifth gear, with the other having second, fourth, and sixth gear.

Initially pioneered in Formula One racing, these transmissions shift much quicker than conventional automatics, and they're most common in performance-oriented models like sports cars and supercars. They allow for nearly instantaneous gear changes either automatically or through steering wheel-mounted paddles that the driver controls.