Why manual transmissions provide beter economy & perform

carfreak

There was a time when professionals actually raced with automatic transmissions and could beat the manual-transmission crowd. Back in the 1960s and 1970s, the Chrysler TorqueFlite was very efficient, but manual transmissions could be balky and hard to use. Using a high-torque engine like a 440 or Hemi meant that you could afford to lose the tiny amount of power given up by the TorqueFlite in exchange for faster, more consistent shifts. But times have changed. Modern transmissions are designed for more comfortable, smooth shifts, and often upshift prematurely (even under full throttle). Shifts tend to be slower. Meanwhile, manual transmissions have come a long, long way. It is easy now to shift quickly and efficiently with a clutch, and five or six speed transmissions maximize power.

Automatic transmissions lose power because they have a fluid interface: the pass power along through a thick oil. Lockup torque converters improve highway economy, but must be disengaged while upshifting. Manual transmissions have minimal power loss because they rely on two plates pressing tightly against each other.

In short, it is normal for manual-transmission versions of the same car to outspeed their automatic-transmission brethren by about one second from zero to sixty, while getting three to six miles per gallon better mileage. The cheapest performance upgrade you can make is to buy your next car with a five-speed, because it costs less and gives more.

cinco · Posted: Wed Nov 18, 2009 12:58 pm Post subject:

not anymore
new automatics are more efficient and faster than traditional manual gearboxes

VexXx Dogg · Posted: Wed Nov 18, 2009 3:44 pm Post subject:

ek4ever · Posted: Wed Nov 18, 2009 5:27 pm Post subject:

Jonathan · Street 2NR Joined: 18 Jul 2005 Tech posts: 52 My 2NRide:

cinco · Posted: Wed Nov 18, 2009 6:54 pm Post subject:

De Dragon · Posted: Wed Nov 18, 2009 9:20 pm Post subject:

bushwakka · Posted: Wed Nov 18, 2009 9:42 pm Post subject:

ok, so maybe the new 8spd is faster in a straight line.....but is it better? the gear which is selected will still be done so by computer.....thus giving less driver control

this will not apply in circuits

§ephiroth · Posted: Thu Nov 19, 2009 12:09 am Post subject:

won't this come down to application, like circuit driftin drag etc etc?

I know u speakin street but bushwakka has a point with the circuits

cinco · Posted: Thu Nov 19, 2009 12:48 am Post subject:

De Dragon · Posted: Thu Nov 19, 2009 2:37 am Post subject:

sigma-turbo · Posted: Thu Nov 19, 2009 3:08 am Post subject:

the auto trans in my cortina shifts firmer than any manual will

manuals are for cars with no torque

ek4ever · Posted: Thu Nov 19, 2009 10:13 am Post subject:

^^ I'm pointing out the distinction between auto-manual gearboxes that you find in something like an Octavia as opposed to the twin-clutsh setup in the GTR.....personally speaking I would definitely go for any system that can shift as fast as the GTR's gearbox without requiring my left foot

Pinky · Posted: Thu Nov 19, 2009 3:21 pm Post subject:

Pussies it comes down to skill if you can shift you can drift any little girl can drive auto #Fist

What car can you buy locally that has an 8 speed tranny and also has a manual version with the same engine available????? we comparing apples with apples.

cinco · Posted: Thu Nov 19, 2009 3:49 pm Post subject:

from
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/FEG/bymodel/2008_Mazda_3.shtml
Mazda 3
4 cyl, 2.3 L, Automatic (S5), Regular 22 29
4 cyl, 2.3 L, Manual 5-spd, Regular 22 29

where is the mpg benefit?

bushwakka · Posted: Thu Nov 19, 2009 7:59 pm Post subject:

^thats but one car u drawing a comparison on though....many others boast better mileage with an M/T as well as better acceleration.....

there is no doubt that auto trannies have narrowed the gap in efficiency to be almost negligible in some applications

i believe the near future is in dual clutch gearboxes.....maybe the manufacturing will become less expensive....gives the best of both worlds

cinco · Posted: Thu Nov 19, 2009 8:01 pm Post subject:

no more i chose a 08 model even to show that it is moving forward
even the manuals out there now offer only a 1mpg diff which would be negated by just your tire pressure these days.
dont get me wrong eh gimme a stick and a 3rd pedal anyday but just trying to point out these archaic views are exactly why manuals are going out and autos/semi autos are taking over

nareshseep · Posted: Sat Nov 21, 2009 2:45 pm Post subject:

flat and straight road (highways) - automatic

hilly and corners , more stop and go driving (city driving) - like yourself with a manual

Take a drive down to mayaro, (nap -may) road much more enjoyable with a 5fwd.

It boils down to individual preference

zorpheus · Posted: Sat Nov 21, 2009 10:43 pm Post subject:

Auto tranmissions have to many moving parts to be efficient, just to mention. box will always be better in terms of economy and efficiency Smile

Kronik · Posted: Sat Nov 21, 2009 11:55 pm Post subject:

gearbox > auto transmission

cinco · Posted: Sun Nov 22, 2009 12:33 am Post subject:

you all realise that using this logic the rotary engine should be much more efficient than a regular piston engine right

wagonrunner · Posted: Sun Nov 22, 2009 11:51 am Post subject:

Conrad · Posted: Sun Nov 22, 2009 1:22 pm Post subject:

Not fuel, budget and reliability wise Laughing

cinco · Posted: Sun Nov 22, 2009 1:40 pm Post subject:

mechanical efficiency <> fuel efficiency
seems people dont realise that in here

DJ Q · Posted: Mon Nov 23, 2009 8:55 am Post subject:

Hmm... I was always of the impression that an auto would be more fuel efficient as the RPMs are generally lower.

Can I throw CVT in the mix?

wagonrunner · Posted: Mon Nov 23, 2009 9:01 am Post subject:

DJ Q · Posted: Mon Nov 23, 2009 9:32 am Post subject:

But does it perform as well as a manual?

nareshseep · Posted: Mon Nov 23, 2009 9:36 am Post subject:

^^ not at the moment,