Manual versus automatic transmission gear boxes

geek84

Hi Folks



What are the pros and cons of having a car fitted with an automatic gear box rather than a manual one?

Thanks in advance for your responses

facade

Pros: you don't have to mess with the gear lever (Why I have one)

Cons:
Usually more expensive
depending on the actual technology used they can use more fuel, (although the very modern dual clutch types are said to be more economical) have reduced acceleration and top speed, be unable to tow anything.

FlameCloud

Autos have the advantage of all round ease of use. Modern ones tend to be quicker than their manual counterparts.

philgr

facade wrote: »

Pros: you don't have to mess with the gear lever (Why I have one)

Cons:
Usually more expensive
depending on the actual technology used they can use more fuel, (although the very modern dual clutch types are said to be more economical) have reduced acceleration and top speed, be unable to tow anything.

I'd disagree with the point on towing if the box is well serviced but apart from that, fairly spot on.

I would also add they introduce a greater need for servicing. Typically, when you're buying, if the fluid is black and smells horrible and kind of burned, it needs a fluid change. The easiest place to check that is on the dipstick you find that goes into the gearbox.

facade

It is true, the e12 nissan note with cvt is not capable of towing anything- at all-ever!

(Nissan do not recommend that it tows, so the figures are all zeros and we think that it would be against construction and use regulations to tow with it, even though you can fit a tow bar yourself)

I didn't mean that no auto can tow anything, just that some cannot. Autos make great towcars when used within their rated capacity.

philgr

facade wrote: »

It is true, the e12 nissan note with cvt is not capable of towing anything- at all-ever!

(Nissan do not recommend that it tows, so the figures are all zeros and we think that it would be against construction and use regulations to tow with it, even though you can fit a tow bar yourself)

A cvt is indeed a different proposition. Good point and I stand corrected

robatwork

The main difference is that once you have owned an auto you will never go back to a manual.

facade

robatwork wrote: »

The main difference is that once you have owned an auto you will never go back to a manual.

Agree 100%

I don't drive autos because I can't drive manual: I just don't want to drive manual.

Prothet_of_Doom

Having taken 5 and a bit hours to drive home up the M1, M6, M6 Toll, M6, M62 and M57 on Friday afternoon, I wish I had an auto.

DUTR

Prothet_of_Doom wrote: »

Having taken 5 and a bit hours to drive home up the M1, M6, M6 Toll, M6, M62 and M57 on Friday afternoon, I wish I had an auto.

I was on the opposite carriageway going from Brum city centre to Leicestershire and affected by the lorry fire , wasn't fussed this time , but my car is dsg.
You don't even notice the upshifts.

geek84

Hi Folks

Many thanks for your replies.

Any further advice greatly appreciated.