Battle of the Transmissions: M/T vs. A/T

**tidus1203** · February 22nd, 2008 08:27 PM

It was just meant as a comic relief by the way regarding my Mastercard statement....

**Bogeyman** · February 22nd, 2008 08:48 PM

I find that my M/T actually helps keep me alert, when I'm tired behind the wheel. The convenience and complacency brought about by an A/T would, in all probability, only make me more accident-prone.

**Jun aka Pekto** · February 23rd, 2008 08:53 AM

Originally Posted by Bogeyman

I find that my M/T actually helps keep me alert, when I'm tired behind the wheel. The convenience and complacency brought about by an A/T would, in all probability, only make me more accident-prone.

Complacency is on the driver. Either you're alert or you're not. The less distractions, the easier it is to keep an eye on the road.

If you need shifting and clutch work to stay alert, it's a cue that you should get some rest and not be out on the road because your body's impaired just like being drunk. Cops here have started taking notice of that.

**Jun aka Pekto** · February 23rd, 2008 09:30 AM

There are instances where I'd pick a M/T:
1. Cost - like it or not, cars with M/T are still ~$1k cheaper than A/T versions

2. Simple visceral feel - like someone said earlier, a connection with the road. But, it depends on the car such as a pure sports car, 2+2 coupes, 2-seaters, etc. If it's a run of the mill sedan/econobox, it's better for me to stick with A/T.

3. A very low-hp car.

**afrasay** · February 23rd, 2008 10:31 AM

Originally Posted by Bogeyman

I find that my M/T actually helps keep me alert, when I'm tired behind the wheel. The convenience and complacency brought about by an A/T would, in all probability, only make me more accident-prone.

I totally agree with this, tapos sobrang tahimik sa loob tapos Sitti ang naka salang. PEro A/T pa rin ako when it comes to comfort. Reliability, eh, my W124 tranny (155,000km) di pa na open, so as with my tito's W123 na 22 yrs na. Only ATF fluid/filter change lang.

**clinique** · February 29th, 2008 03:02 AM

Hello! I am a new member and really thinking about buying a car of my own and i want to ask honest opinions about M/T and AT. Does having a different transmission affect fuel consumption? Which is more fuel effecient? thanks! because I am thinking about buying either of these budget cars-- Getz 1.2 GL A/T or Picanto /T. thanks again!

**Bogeyman** · February 29th, 2008 08:08 AM

An A/T-equipped car is relatively heavier than an identical model equipped with M/T, which affects fuel consumption. A properly operated M/T vehicle can deliver anywhere from 5% to 15% fuel economy over an equivalent A/T variant, depending on driving conditions and driving style.

The use of a rigid clutch also makes an M/T more mechanically efficient than A/T, which uses a torque converter.

**clinique** · February 29th, 2008 12:56 PM

^ thank you so much!

now its comfort againt fuel efficiency for me.. and maintainance/durability..

**Bogeyman** · February 29th, 2008 01:05 PM

Originally Posted by clinique

^ thank you so much!

now its comfort againt fuel efficiency for me.. and maintainance/durability..

The only real advantage A/T has over M/T is comfort and the convenience of multi-tasking behind the wheel.

For maintenance, I will have to quote what motor guru niky said in another thread. This is with regards to choosing either an M/T or A/T on a pre-owned car:

Originally Posted by niky

It's much easier to break an AT outright, with poor maintenance, than an MT. The clutch of the MT provides an outlet for any transmission destroying foolishness, and costs little to replace.

With the AT, the torque converter fills the role of the clutch, but is dependent on good ATF to work. If the previous owner did not care for the car well, and did not regularly change the ATF, things can break. Expensive things.

I've had good luck with secondhand ATs, but I've seen people with very bad luck. And while fixing a secondhand manual is often the simple work of replacing a clutch or a gear or two (gears can sometimes break if the previous owner drag-raced the car...), fixing an automatic is more expensive, which is why some people just go for full box swaps.

Besides, if we're talking secondhands, the fuel economy bonus of old 5-speed manuals over old 4-speed ATs in traffic is a good reason to just go for the manual.

**clinique** · February 29th, 2008 01:18 PM

again, thank you so much!

I guess i will just have to work double learning about M/T (first-time driver here)...

do you happen to know where the thread about yaris, jazz, alto, picanto, getz, rio comparision? i'd really appreciate it if i will be enlightened .. thank you!