Which uses more fuel: manual, or automatic? - Scrap Car Network (2024)

FAQs

Which uses more fuel, manual or automatic? ›

However, the difference in fuel efficiency between manual and automatic cars is relatively small. In fact, automatic cars can actually be more fuel-efficient than manual cars if the automatic transmission has advanced features such as stop-start technology and adaptive cruise control.

The manual mode is conducive to what people might call more “fun” or “active” driving. It pushes the extremes a little more, which is a point of attraction, too. Pushing the engine harder, however, also means more fuel used, so you can be aware of that.

In our tests, we've found that in some cars a manual transmission can improve gas mileage by a significant 2 to 5 mpg, compared with an automatic, and can cut a car's price by $800 to $1,200. Manual transmissions often can also improve acceleration, sometimes significantly.

Manual transmissions have the highest efficiency due to their inherently low parasitic losses. Because they are usually splash-lubricated from gears spinning in the oil sump, manual transmissions usually do not require the oil pump or forced cooling that most automatic transmissions require.

Manual transmissions require less servicing to remain functional and don't need the same type of oil as an automatic transmission. Cars with a stick-shift usually last longer than an automatic of the same make and model.

If you do a lot city driving, an automatic may be easier to maneuver through stop and go traffic than a standard transmission. However, if performance and the driving experience matters to you, you might want to consider a manual. Another factor to keep in mind is if there'll be other people driving the vehicle.

Eco mode puts less strain on a car's engine, resulting in several benefits such as: Improved fuel economy: While the change in fuel economy isn't drastic, your car will use less gas and get more miles per gallon when you use eco mode correctly.

Pay attention to the tachometer, which shows engine speed. Use it to know when to shift a manual transmission for the best fuel efficiency. The higher the rpm, the more fuel the engine is burning. So shift through the lower gears smoothly and quickly, and build up speed in the higher gears.

Better fuel efficiency — Overall, manual transmission engines are less complex, weigh less, and have more gears than automatics. The end result is that you'll end up getting more kilometres out of the petrol you pump in than you would with an automatic.

Why do manual cars give more mileage than automatic? ›

Conversely, automatic cars are designed to select the right gear for the vehicle without driver input. In a manual vehicle, you will use less fuel by driving in a higher gear at a lower RPM (Revolutions per Minute) than if you drive in a lower gear at a higher RPM.

Now, automatics produce almost identical fuel economy figures to their manual counterparts – and in some case, they've even better. Manually shifting gear takes the average driver somewhere between 0.5 – 1 second. In that time, engine power drops away slightly.

RPM basics 101: Lower revs mean lower fuel consumption. This happens because there is lower friction between the engine components and hence lower fuel consumption. That is the reason why the 1st gear consumes a lot of fuel, while the 5th with a lower rev range consumes less.

Manual transmission cars require more frequent servicing. However, when things go wrong with an automatic, repairs can cost more and take more time. Costs depend mainly on how you're planning on using the car.

RPM basics 101: Lower revs mean lower fuel consumption. This happens because there is lower friction between the engine components and hence lower fuel consumption. That is the reason why the 1st gear consumes a lot of fuel, while the 5th with a lower rev range consumes less.

Greater control: A manual gearbox gives you more control over the car as you alone choose which gear to use. This can be particularly beneficial in wintry conditions. More speed: Some automatics can be slow and cumbersome, although many are now fitted with dual-clutch technology to make them quicker.