It's a debate almost as old as motoring itself – and an essential question before taking out a lease car. Or any car, really.
So if you're keen to learn about how automatics and manuals compare, then read on.
What is the Difference Between Automatic and Manual Cars?
Just in case you don't know . . .
The clue's in the name, really. Automatic cars feature an automatic transmission that goes through the gears for you automatically, whilst manual cars feature a manual transmission in which you're required to go through the gears (surprise, surprise) – manually.
So as well as lacking a traditional gearstick, automatic cars also do without the clutch pedal because the gears are changed for you automatically in relation to the speed at which you're travelling. This is achieved through a torque converter.
The vast majority of British vehicles are manual.
Why Aren't Automatics As Popular?
It could be because manuals came first and are therefore seen as more familiar. Plus, there's simply more of them.
Also, automatic cars have traditionally been more expensive than manuals, and even though the gap has narrowed, that's still largely the case nowadays.
Do Automatic Cars Use More Fuel Than Manual Cars?
It's generally believed that automatic cars use more fuel than their manual counterparts, and whilst that used to be the case on older models with three-speed gearboxes, it's less so the case nowadays.
Automatic technology has greatly improved in recent years, so you aren't going to see too much of a difference when it comes to fuel economy with modern automatic cars.
Can I Still Manually Change Gear in an Automatic?
A great number of automatic gearboxes have a mode or function allowing you to manually change gear if you wish. This is done using buttons or levers ('paddles') behind the steering wheel or alongside the gear stick. How you access manual mode depends on the kind of gear selector your car has.
If your automatic car has gear-changing buttons, then simply push them to change gear as needed (the button with the ‘+’ sign moves up a gear, and the button with the ‘-’ sign moves down a gear). It’s the same principle with paddles, which are usually mounted on the back of the steering wheel.
Are There Certain Cars That are More Likely to Have a Manual or Automatic Gearbox?
Generally speaking, expensive vehicles like prestige and sports cars are more likely to have an automatic gearbox. They have more powerful engines (think 2.0-litres plus) which work better that way, and more 'luxurious' drivers are said to prefer the effort-free driving style. However, there are exceptions to that rule, as some sports cars simply focus on being fun and engaging to drive – which usually equates to a manual gearbox and gearstick.
Also, pretty much all hybrid and electric cars are automatic in the sense that you're not changing gears manually, although they are still a bit different from petrol and diesel automatics.
Any car outside of those two brackets it likely to have a manual gearbox. Again though, there are still exceptions to the rule, with plenty of low-cost budget-free automatic cars on the market and available to lease.
Pros and Cons of Manuals
✓ True driving experience
✓ More fun and engaging
✓ More vehicle control (esp. in hilly areas)
✓ Cheaper to maintain
✕ Greater effort involved
✕ May become obsolete in future
✕ Potentially less safe (one hand working gearstick)
✕ Leg ache due to working clutch
Pros and Cons of Automatics
✓ Easier to operate
✓ More future cars will be automatic
✓ Can focus more on the road ahead
✕ More expensive
✕ Less choice of models
✕ Can be boring to drive
Should I Learn to Drive An Automatic or Manual Car?
Both are pretty good options, but most would advise you to learn and pass your test in a manual, as you'll then be able to drive both automatics and manuals once you have your license.
However, an automatic transmission car is still worth considering. Due to their easier nature and the fact that they have no clutch or manual gear changes, automatics are undoubtedly easier to learn in. Even though gear shifts and working a clutch become second nature after a while, it can still take a lot of practice to master the skill. And with an automatic, you can keep both hands on the wheel and get to focus more on speed and road position. It's helpful for learners who have anxiety about driving as it lessens the stress.
Automatic lessons are usually more expensive, but they're getting cheaper due to the rise in popularity of electric cars.
If I Learn in an Automatic, Can I Drive a Manual?
Nope, afraid not.
Passing your test in an automatic means that you're only legally allowed to drive an automatic vehicle.
However, you can still pass the test in a manual car at a later date.
So if you're 17 years old and hell-bent on learning to drive as fast as possible, then why not pass in an automatic and then attempt a manual test at a later date? It's a roundabout way of doing things, for sure (not to mention more expensive), but there's nothing saying that you can't.
Are Manual Cars Cheaper to Insure?
Yep, but not by much.
Whilst there isn't a huge difference between the two, automatic vehicles are slightly more expensive to insure.
That's basically because the gearbox in an automatic costs more to replace than that of a manual vehicle, and is generally found in higher-spec cars.
A manual gearbox is a much less complicated piece of hardware, and as such it is both easier and cheaper to replace. An automatic gearbox contains all sorts of hydraulics and electrics to automate the gear-changing process.
What's more is the fact that drivers who only have an automatic driving license will face considerably higher premiums than those with a full license who choose to drive an automatic car.
Will Manuals Be Phased Out in the Future?
Afraid so.
With the growing shift towards hybrid and electric cars, the UK Government is racing ahead with its plan to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030, meaning manual cars could disappear from Britain's roads within the next 15 years. Electric cars are very much the future.
And of course, electric cars aren't manual.
Well, technically speaking, they aren't automatic either, as the vast majority only have one gear. But they're waaaayy more similar to automatics than they are to manuals, and the driving experience is more or less the same.
Looking even further ahead into the future, driverless cars will also be a thing, and they definitely aren't manual! (Won't be around till at least 2035, though.)
Summary
So, what's the answer to the age-old debate? Should you go for a manual or automatic car?
Well, automatics are definitely easier to drive, but there's an argument to be made that manuals are more fun and engaging.
And although manuals may be on the path to slowly dying out, there's still plenty of time for you to enjoy them.
FAQs
Why are automatic cars not popular in UK?
Because manuals came first and are seen as more familiar, and automatics have traditionally been more expensive.
Do automatic cars last longer than manual?
Not really. In fact, automatics have a relatively shorter lifespan than manuals of the same make and model.
Are electric cars automatic or manual?
The vast majority of electric vehicles have automatic gearboxes and don't require a clutch to change gears. In fact, they're a bit different from conventional automatics, as most only have one gear.