Difference between Automatic and Manual Cars

The market offers a wide range of car types including manual, automatic, electric, and others. Each type of car has its own unique features and benefits. Among these, manual and automatic cars are particularly popular due to their affordability and ease of fuel availability. To better understand the differences between these two car types, refer to our article below.

 

The designs and colors of automatic and manual cars are varied and visually appealing. They are also offered in different sizes to meet individual requirements. Hence, it is not possible to distinguish between the two just by looking at their appearance.

 

Automatic and manual cars have quite a big difference in terms of performance. These differences will affect your driving experience. You cannot use the same driving method for both types of cars because they have different engine performance systems and components. Therefore, it's important to comprehend these differences before driving a car. Learn more about the differences between automatic and manual cars in our following article!

 

 

Difference between Automatic and Manual Cars

 The following are some differences between automatic and manual cars:

 

1. Use of the transmission system

The transmission systems used in automatic and manual cars are not the same. Manual cars are equipped with a manual transmission system, which requires the use of a clutch to shift gears up or down using a gear lever. On the other hand, automatic cars are equipped with an automatic transmission system, which does not require a clutch and shifts gears automatically through a gearbox. There are six types of automatic transmissions that are commonly used by car manufacturers today, including automatic transmission, semi-automatic transmission, electronic automatic transmission, double clutch gearbox, sequential manual, and continuously variable transmission.

 

Read Also: Between Matic and Manual, Which One is Better for Beginners?

 

2. Car operation

The difference in car transmission significantly impacts the driving experience. A manual car typically features a gas pedal, a shift lever, and a clutch pedal, which require precise coordination to shift gears. Mishandling the clutch may cause the car to behave unpredictably or abruptly stop. On the other hand, an automatic car only has a gas pedal and a gear selector, which makes driving simpler. When you step on the gas pedal, it will get the transmission to automatically shift gears, offering more convenience. Moreover, during traffic jams, automatic cars are more comfortable to drive as you don't have to continuously step on the clutch and shift gears.

 

3. Fuel efficiency

The consumption of fuel differs between automatic and manual cars. In general, automatic cars tend to consume more fuel than manual cars. This is because the automatic cars have higher rotations per minute, which means the engine works more and requires more fuel to produce energy. Nonetheless, you don't need to worry because there are already several automatic cars that use fuel-efficient systems.

 

4. Car braking system

In comparison to automatic cars, manual cars are recognized for their more superior braking performance. Manual cars come equipped with engine brakes and adjustable gears, which are absent in automatic cars. Thus, when driving downhill, you must be cautious while braking, particularly in an automatic car. Additionally, manual cars are deemed to possess greater braking strength than automatic cars. Conversely, automatic cars have a slower response when making sudden brakes, which may result in quicker wear and tear of brake pads if frequently used.

 

5. Embedded complementary features

Generally, automatic cars come with more additional features and modern technology to enhance your comfort and safety. Some common features found in automatic cars include paddle shift, tiptronic, and adaptive cruise control. Paddle shift allows manual simulation of gear shifts in automatic cars using a lever located behind the wheel. Tiptronic functions similarly to paddle shift but you only need to shift gear through the gear lever. Adaptive cruise control is a popular feature in automatic cars which automatically adjusts the car's speed based on the vehicle in front of it, eliminating the need for you to constantly brake and accelerate. This feature utilizes sensors to make driving on the freeway more comfortable and reduces fatigue on your feet.

 

Read Also: 4 Best Tips on How To Rent Automatic or Manual Cars

 

6. Car Maintenance

Compared to automatic cars, manual cars are considered more economical to maintain. With a wide availability of spare parts, manual car maintenance costs are generally affordable. Automatic cars, on the other hand, often come with advanced features that increase maintenance costs. In addition, automatic car parts are expensive and hard to find. This is because automatic cars have more complex engine components than manual cars.

 

7. Car Prices

Automatic cars are typically priced higher than manual cars due to the advanced technological features that are integrated into them. The price of an automatic car is generally at least 10 to 30 million higher than that of a manual car. However, this price depends on the brand and model of the vehicle that you choose.

 

 

This information provides insights into the contrasts between manual and automatic cars that can assist you in determining the type of vehicle that best suits your needs. Automatic cars are a better choice for you who drive primarily in urban areas. They are more convenient and straightforward to operate, particularly on highways and in high-traffic locations, allowing you to remain refreshed and not exhausted. Despite the higher cost, automatic cars come with advanced features that make your journey more enjoyable. Some of the popular automatic car brands used today include Toyota Agya, Toyota Calya, Honda Brio, and Daihatsu Ayla.

 

Manual cars are suitable for those of you who travel long distances and pass through various street terrain. This is because manual cars have more optimal acceleration and maximum engine braking. If you pass through heavier terrain, such as climbs or descents, then a manual car is the right choice. Manual car components are not easily damaged when facing rough terrain and many spare parts can make the maintenance process easier. Some of the manual car brands that are often used today are the Toyota Avanza, Toyota Fortuner, and Mitsubishi Xpander. If you prefer automatic cars, the brand also provides automatic transmission options. Automatic and manual cars have their advantages and disadvantages. You should carefully consider which type of car is right for you before buying a car.

 

If you are confused about choosing the right type of car, you might consider using a car rental first. Choose a quality guaranteed car rental for better driving comfort. One of the trusted car rentals in Jakarta is MPMRent. MPMRent currently has 8 branch offices and 18 representative branches throughout Indonesia. MPMRent has the facility of drivers who are proficient at driving and have long driving hours so you don't need to worry when traveling short or long distances. In addition, MPMRent has 15,000 vehicle fleet variants for both office operational needs and personal needs. MPMRent always ensures that the car is in the best condition for your comfort while driving. Monthly or yearly car rental made easy at MPMRent at the best prices. Please contact the nearest car rental service in your city.