Are Manual Transmissions Still More Fuel Efficient Than Automatics?

By September 29, 2007

Bankrate says, “No.” For the average driver under the average conditions, there is little difference.

For drivers in everyday situations, a manual transmission is not likely to provide any difference in fuel economy over an automatic transmission. The reason is that to achieve the optimum fuel efficiency a driver has to execute shifts at precise engine rpms (revolutions per minute). Given the challenges of city driving conditions, most drivers won’t be able to realize greater fuel economy with a manual gearbox.

One consideration, however, is that usually an automatic transmission costs extra, which could factor into the buying decision. On the flip side, the majority of new vehicles aren’t even offered with a manual transmission.

Good to know. What do you suppose the mileage is like on the Wienermobile?

Best mileage: Automatic or manual? [Bankrate]
(Photo:Keylime Steve)

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Comments

  1. bryus says:
    October 1, 2007 at 5:57 pm

    I have serious doubts that an automate can get more miles out of a gallon of gas than me with a manual.

    I typically get between 35MPG and 41MPG on my 1990 Acura Integra GS or my 2000 Honda Civic EX. Both are 5-speeds. Both are rated under the new standards at around 23-25MPG.

  2. number9ine says:
    October 1, 2007 at 11:51 pm

    Conjecture.

  3. thelogarithm says:
    October 29, 2007 at 11:28 pm

    Manual shift is more , more efficient in extreme weather conditions, more efficient torque set to each gear which enables better acceleration and handle ability efficient going around corners, the human reaction in doing work of shifting gears pays off in the long run when you don’t have to pay for automatic repairs, liquids …
    Teach your young how to drive a manual first, and don’t let them get stuck on just how to drive an automatic when they are old to drive because manuals have to be understood if you want them to drive a manual in a no option situation and they don’t know how then they might be stuck and or have to be quick learners.

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