Old Car Shifter Transmission

Manual Vs Automatic Transmissions - Which is Best?

By Paul Ransom

The manual versus automatic transmission debate is as old as automatic transmissions (cars were all manual transmission in the early days). So which is right for you?

It is a question only you can answer. There's no universal right or wrong about either type of transmission. You have to consider which factors count most for you, then buy accordingly.

First, can you drive a stick? Perhaps that should go without saying, but if you can't drive a manual transmission, none of the other arguments in favor of one make any sense. Of course, if those other arguments hold weight with you, then it might be worth your time to learn how to drive a manual transmission.

Second, consider the cost. You will notice an immediate savings when you buy a stick, to the tune of $750-1,000. But the total cost of ownership counts more. Manual transmission cars typically require less service, so you'll save money over time. And depending on how you drive (and road conditions), a manual transmission could save you 5-15% on gas.

Third, consider whether or not you want the extra "control" a manual gives you. This is the biggest argument most manual transmission lovers offer: "It gives me complete control over my car." Okay, that's fine, but do you need it? Do you even want it? Modern automatics are just fine for most drivers, even if they have to merge onto the highway a lot. Unless you're a Formula 1 driver, do you really need to be able to downshift or get more power on demand in tight corners?

Fourth, consider the extra work involved with driving a manual transmission. Once you know how to drive a manual, it becomes second nature. You really don't have to think about it. But it definitely is more work. If you deal with stop and go commuter traffic every day, do you really want to have to do all of that clutch work? This is probably the most practical consideration of them all.

An automatic requires using two pedals-one makes you go, and one makes you stop. A manual throws an extra pedal into the mix, and you'll be using it! If you have to stop and go, your left leg will get a workout. Not to mention the extra bother of accelerating from a dead stop on an upslope, or shifting while you're merging.

Bottom line, an automatic transmission is often a more comfortable drive, especially if you drive longer distances, or have to deal with lots of stop and go traffic. You'll lose some fuel economy, and your maintenance costs might go up, but it's a tradeoff.

Realistically, a manual transmission lets you look and feel cool. It might even give you a sense of pride that you can drive one when some people can't. But the manual versus automatic argument about having more control in a manual does not matter for most people.

In the end, it mostly comes down to cost. If it is worth the extra initial and ongoing cost to you to get an automatic, that's your choice. If you need to save some money, and you don't mind putting up with the driving headaches of a manual, that's the winner.

Adsit Company is a worldwide Mercedes Benz parts supplier specializing in new, used and rebuilt Mercedes parts, accessories, engines and transmissions. Adsit offers 10% discounts for online and fax orders as well as full service assistance by phone.

You can get a free, 100 page printed catalog mailed to you by visiting the Adsitco.com Mercedes parts website.

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