We receive a lot of questions about different types of car transmissions and which one is right for the buyer. To hopefully help more of you as you begin your car-buying journey, here’s a brief overview of the three main types of transmissions along with the pros and cons of each:
Manual transmission
Manual transmissions are the oldest and simplest type of transmission; they require the driver to shift gears manually using a clutch pedal and gear shifter. Manual transmissions used to be more fuel efficient in the early days of automatics, and though no longer, they can still be more efficient in stop-and-go traffic. They’re less expensive to purchase and maintain, and for some the added engagement with their vehicle makes the entire driving experience more enjoyable. That said, manual transmissions can be more difficult to learn and can be tiring to operate in heavy traffic.
Automatic transmission
Automatic transmissions are the most common type of transmission in use today. As the name suggests, they shift gears automatically, making them significantly easier to operate than a manual, as you don’t have to think about them, you just push the gas pedal and go! Automatics are also noticeably more convenient for drivers who spend a lot of time in traffic or who live in hilly areas. However, automatic transmissions are also more expensive to purchase, maintain, and repair.
Continuously variable transmission (CVT)
CVTs are a newer type of transmission that is becoming increasingly popular with auto manufacturers. CVTs do not have gears, but instead use a system of belts and pulleys (there is also a variant that uses rotating discs and power rollers instead) to vary the transmission ratio, and this allows CVTs to operate more efficiently than standard automatic transmissions, ultimately offering better fuel economy. CVTs are also generally less expensive to purchase and maintain than automatic transmissions. However, some drivers find certain iterations of CVTs to be less responsive than automatic transmissions.
Which transmission is right for you?
The best transmission for you will depend on your individual needs and driving habits. If you are looking for fun and an overall more engaging driving experience, then a manual might be right for you. However, if you’re looking for the easiest and most convenient transmission to operate, an automatic is the better choice. If you are looking for a combination of efficiency, convenience, and affordability, a CVT is a good option.
Here are some additional factors to consider when choosing a transmission:
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Overall price: Cars with a manual as an option were long cheaper than automatic transmissions, but with the decline in manual usage their shrinking niche has negatively passed the threshold of supply and demand.
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Budget: Manual transmissions are generally less expensive to purchase and maintain than automatic transmissions. CVTs are typically in the middle.
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Vehicle type: Some vehicles, such as sports cars and trucks, are typically only available with manual or automatic transmissions. CVTs are more common in smaller cars and SUVs.
If you are still unsure which transmission is right for you, we recommend test driving a few different vehicles with different transmissions to see which one you prefer, the feel can be more noticeable than you think. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact our friendly and knowledgeable staff.