DUBAI: Ask any old-school car owner about preference and he or she would most likely root for a manual transmission than an automatic for the simple reason that the former allows for better performance as it gives the driver full control with the gears.
In Dubai, https://servicemarket.com, a company specializing in the A to Z of home services – from pest control to AC repair, moving and storage, automotive… even catering – has come up with a bit-by-bit rundown of what would be a manual versus automatic transmission contest, if you will, citing knowledgeable sources, for insurance purposes and dispel misconceptions about which is better.
1. Manuals are more cost-effective.
Generally speaking, manual cars cost less but necessarily so anymore as pricing has, in recent years, “shifted towards very similar price points from both segments,” said an article posted on the company’s blog.
“In fact,” it added, “a large number of cars are now available at the same price regardless of the transmission.”
2. Manuals provide fuel efficiency.
It is commonly believed that a car with a manual transmission would provide better mileage and fuel efficiency but this was certainly true only when automatic cars hit the market. “Over the years, advances in motor technology have closed the gap to a great degree and in the long run, the difference between a car’s fuel efficiency due to the type of transmission is negligible,” said Service Market.
3. Manuals are easier to maintain and repair.
This holds true because the components that make an automatic transmission are numerous and ergo, cost more in terms of repairs.
However, improvements in production, coupled with proper car care could make the car with automatic transmission last longer; on the other hand the clutch in manual transmission cars has to be replaced once or twice, leading to higher long-term costs.
There are also other factors adding up to higher maintenance costs like the driver’s behavior, the vehicle’s wear and tear, and so on.
4. Manuals offer better control and is ergo, more fun.
You have two cars on full stop at a traffic signal: a manual transmission and an automatic. The light turns green. Which gets a good head start? The manual – because the first gear gives that pulling power; the automatic on the other hand has to gather momentum before it could speed up.
With a manual transmission, you have full control of the car, making it a safer option particularly in bad conditions, said Service Market, adding that this is also touted as the reason which makes driving more fun, as it is a more involved experience, especially for drivers who prize performance.
“On the other hand, it can also be argued that an automatic transmission provides for a smoother and more comfortable ride, and the improved technology over the years gives an experience that is similar to that of a manual car.
“They also allow the driver to relax and concentrate more on the road, rather than on switching gears, especially in heavy traffic,” said the Service Market article.
5. Manuals will have lower insurance rates.
With higher prices and maintenance costs, it seems logical that insurance premium for automatic cars would be higher comparatively, said Service Market. “Yet, with both the road and gear shifting needing a driver’s complete attention in manual cars, the risk is higher, which can easily drive premiums up,” it added.
