Transmission Wars: Automatic vs. Manual cars

Automatic or manual?

That's a question that usually comes up when it comes to car driving. Owners will always debate which one is better and why. However, the answer is never simple, as everyone has their own style and preference when it comes to cars and how they like to drive. 

There are also several factors at play when it comes to this "transmission war." GMA News Online breaks down the pros and cons of both options to see which side you fall of the age-old question: "Matik o manual?"

Automatic Transmission

Easy to learn: The biggest advantage of an automatic transmission is its "ease of driving." Especially if you are a new driver, everything is simply easier with just a stop and go. Drivers basically just have to keep track of just two pedals for gas and brake.

Easy to drive: Automatic cars also have a straight-forward gear stick mode wherein you'll mainly just use Drive or Reverse. Get in, put the gear in drive, and that's it!

Steep slopes: Another major advantage of an automatic transmission is driving on slopes or inclined roads. Drivers don't have to worry about inadvertently backing up, as the automatic transmission is always engaged if the gear is in drive position. 

Manual Transmission

Acceleration: speed and control. These are some of the main reasons why some drivers prefer to drive manual. There's a sense of fulfillment as you go through gears 1 to 4 on an open road in a perfectly timed shift.

Stick driving: There's never a dull moment when driving a manual car. Which, for some, makes it a more "fun" drive where you play with the gear stick as your feet move through the three pedals and get the perfect press on the clutch, gas, and brake. 

The machine: A manual vehicle makes the driver appreciate the motor more. This, as you pay more attention to slight changes when driving. Among them are the possible minor changes in shifting gears or a loose clutch. It's also inevitable for some to make some "modifications" for a possible speed boost or ease in driving. 

Maintainance and parts

Automatic: In most cases, parts and labor for automatic vehicles are a bit more expensive than manual cars. Mechanics are also at times a concern, as some vehicles are quite tricky and need "specialists" or maintenance through the dealer or "casa."

Manual: Parts for replacement in manual vehicles have cheaper alternatives. There are also times when a minor repair just means replacing a small part in the engine or one of its systems. 

Price

Here is where it comes down to for some drivers, especially for those who can drive both. Automatic vehicles are more expensive than their manual counterparts. While it's easier for pick the less expensive vehicle, it's really hard to turn your back for the comfort and ease of driving of an automatic vehicle. 

Now, how about you? Automatic or Manual?

—VAL, GMA Integrated News