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Automatic vs Manual Cars: Which One Is Better For New Drivers

ByMatsumoto Naoki-June 08, 2021

When you are a new driver, it can be hard to decide what kind of car is best. Automatic and manual cars have different pros and cons. Whether you should buy an automatic or stick with the old-fashioned manual transmission is a big decision, so make sure you know what you’re getting into.

Manual cars have been the standard for drivers in the U.S. and the rest of the world, but that is changing. For over a decade, automatic cars have become a more common sight on roads and highways. A breakdown of what each type entails will help you understand which one might work best for your needs.

Automatic vs Manual Cars: Which One Is Better For New Drivers

Manual cars are cheaper and easier to drive than automatic, but they require more driving skills. Automatic cars have more features that make them convenient to own and also easier for new drivers. Which type will be better for your needs? Let’s find out:

Driving Skills

Manual cars are cheaper than automatics and require less maintenance. However, they also come with some disadvantages, such as requiring manual transmission shifting skills to drive them smoothly.

An automatic gear. (Credit: mirou / PixaBay)

Automatic vehicles, on the other hand, are typically more expensive to purchase and maintain. But these vehicles come with many advantages, such as requiring less skill for driving them smoothly. For example, they can be equipped with an option called “parking brake,” so there is no need to use hand pressure when parking or driving up hills.

Driving Flexibility

While driving a stick gear, drivers have to pay attention at all times. Despite that, they allow for greater flexibility in driving style due to gear changes being allowed during braking or acceleration. Such a feature can help reduce wear on your engine in comparison to an automatic car’s “drivetrain” where there is only one speed per given time frame. When it comes down to it, many drivers have a preference for either drivetrain type.

Automatic Road Safety Features

Manual cars don’t have any automatic safety features except for the basic ones. Here, the driver has sole control over almost all functions. Considering this, automatic cars could be a better option for new drivers. More of these vehicles come with lane control, automatic braking, or adaptive cruise control options, which can allow for safer driving by limiting distractions. These features kick off automatically, depending on road and driving conditions.

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Fuel Efficiency

It’s quite debatable but manual cars are often more fuel-efficient than their automatic counterparts. Today’s automatic cars have gotten a lot better over the years. It is now possible to find some that are just as fuel-efficient and fun to drive on both city streets and highways.

Conclusion

A lot of people starting their driving career will be interested in knowing what the best option would be. Overall, it all comes down to personal choices between automatic vs manual cars. Each has advantages depending on your preferences. So, do some research into which one you think might work better!

Matsumoto Naoki is senior car blogger at Car From Japan. Having background in mechanical engineering, he has a unique perspective on a lot of new car innovations. Prior to Car From Japan, Matsumoto was Mechanical Design Engineer at Yajima Plant, Subaru Corporation. His articles provide detailed DIY instructions and how-tos to help you get your new car on the road. If you want to save money and feel more confident when working on your cars, you should not ignore Matsumoto’s sharing posts. He presents driving tips and tricks for everyone through easy-following steps and mechanically but friendly writing.

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