Manual vs. Automatic. Which is More Efficient?

Gear shift in car with manual transmission

By now, it’s likely you’ve heard someone claim “manuals get better gas mileage than automatics.” While in the past this has certainly been true – driving an automatic was truly a sacrifice, dramatically affecting acceleration, reliability, and gas mileage – is it still the case in the modern era? Flagstaff Transmission Specialists in Flagstaff, AZ has the answers.

In the old days, an automatic came in two or three speed variations, and up through the 90s a 4 speed if you were lucky. They sapped power and efficiency, no matter how good the technology got. As the technology improved with the introduction of computer control, and people began forgoing their standard shift transmissions for automatics, a few enthusiasts stuck to their guns. Manuals were still more reliable, and more efficient.

But in recent years, 8-speed automatics are becoming common, and increasingly more so. They are computer operated, highly efficient, light weight, and responsive. But how dwo they stack up to the tried and true stick shift? In short, automatics are rapidly closing the gap. Most major manufacturers report that automatic models either come up a mere 2 or 3 miles per gallon short of their standard shift counterparts, or are dead even in terms of fuel efficiency.

Still – automatics have not yet surpassed manual vehicles, unless you count a few examples of CVT equipped cars. Regardless of your opinion of the CVT transmission, they are efficient. Where reliability is concerned, it’s hard to say; a lot has changed in the last decade, but manuals are still less complicated, and therefore likely to remain more reliable. The next few years might tip the scales, but for now, manual transmissions are typically still technically the kings of efficiency, even though they are also an endangered breed.

For all your transmission repair and maintenance needs, regardless of what type of transmission you have, our technicians have you covered. To experience the best transmission service shop in Flagstaff, AZ, call or stop by Flagstaff Transmission Specialists today.

Thank you for visiting Flagstaff Transmission Specialists in Flagstaff, AZ. You can count on our automotive repair technicians and transmission specialist to keep your car, truck, suv, van, or entire fleet on the roads longer and safer.