Manual Car vs Automatic Car: Why Do More Automatics Sell?

For decades, car enthusiasts across the globe have been passionately divided over one of motoring’s biggest debates – manual or automatic car transmission? Kenya is no different. Each has its diehard fans and vocal critics.

Not so long ago, learning to drive a manual car was like a rite of passage to joining the ranks of “good” drivers. Whoever was teaching you to drive would scream “badilisha gear” or “kanyaga clutch!” Stalling and grinding gears was just part of the process.

Well, not anymore.

As the automotive world evolves, automatic cars with their seamless self-shifting transmissions have become the mainstream choice for most drivers. The convenience is hard to beat.

However, a loyal base of traditional drivers including Subaru boys and Safari rally enthusiasts still swears by the hands-on control and visceral experience that only a manual gearbox can provide. 

But even so, why do so many drivers prefer automatic cars over the low-priced manual cars for sale? To answer that, we need to understand what a manual car is – here we go! 

How Does a Manual Car Work? 

A manual car has a manual transmission system that requires the driver to manually change the gears by using a clutch pedal and moving a stick shift lever.

The clutch pedal disconnects the engine from the transmission’s input shaft when pressed down. This allows the driver to change gears using the stick shift without grinding the gears. When the clutch pedal is released, it reconnects the engine’s power to the transmission.

To accelerate from a complete stop in a manual transmission vehicle, you’d always:  

1. Press down the clutch pedal
2. Move the stick shift into first gear
3. Give some gas by pressing the accelerator pedal
4. Slowly release the clutch pedal while giving more gas

As the car gains speed, you must manually upshift into higher gears by repeating this clutch/gear sequence – pressing the clutch, shifting up to the next gear, and releasing the clutch smoothly while continuing to accelerate.

See how it feels like a process? Because it is, and stalling out by not operating the clutch properly is a common experience when learning to drive a manual! 

Do Manual Cars Have Any Benefits?

Yes. Otherwise, you wouldn’t see listings of manual cars for sale every time you search for an old Land Rover vehicle.

Beyond feeling more engaged, manual cars enjoy some objective advantages over automatic cars. They have better fuel economy as you can control the engine revs as you desire, they are somewhat more affordable than automatics, are cheaper to maintain since manual gearboxes have fewer moving parts, and they give you total control over your vehicle!

Why People Automatics Cars

While you can easily get manual cars for sale everywhere, they have some disadvantages which often force people to choose automatics. For one, the learning curve is tricky. By the time you become good at developing hand-foot coordination, you’ll have either knocked some Boda Bodas (and incurred their wrath) or stalled the car in the middle of the road.

Also, having to constantly work the clutch and gear shift while stuck in traffic along Thika Road, for instance, can be physically draining over time. Not to mention that when you get to your destination, parking involves some work as well.

An automatic car, on the other hand, offers:

• Superior Convenience – With an automatic car, you simply put the transmission in Drive and go. No need to push a clutch pedal or constantly shift gears manually. It makes driving around town or on highways almost effortlessly easy.
• Modern controls – Today’s automatic cars come with highly sophisticated computer controls to execute seamless, crisp gear changes that produce smooth takeoffs, acceleration, and deceleration that manuals can’t match.
• They are better in traffic – Stop-and-go situations like rush hour traffic jam are easier to handle with an automatic car. You don’t need to ride the clutch or keep working the stick. It’s as easy as Stop and Go.
• Accommodates More Drivers – Not everyone wants to learn the intricacies of operating a manual transmission. Automatics enable hassle-free driving for anyone able to work two pedals.

Manual Car vs Automatic Car: Which Transmission Reigns Supreme?

At the end of the day, which type of transmission is “best” really comes down to priorities and personal preferences.

If you’re a driving enthusiast who loves being intimately connected to the machine and doesn’t mind trading convenience for control, then a manual is hard to beat.

For pretty much everyone else, an automatic makes the most sense. The seamless operation, easy stop-and-go driving, and ability to just put it in D and forget it while beating traffic is supremely convenient for many.

The increasing rarity of the production of manual cars for sale also makes them less ideal for households with multiple drivers at different experience levels. Everyone can hop in an automatic.

Ultimately, choose based on how and where you’ll be driving most. If it’s primarily urban commuting, road trips, or chauffeuring family, the automatic has a clear advantage in ease of use.The best part? Peach Cars has a selection of both automatic and manual cars for sale you can choose from. Whether it is for weekend fun runs and backroad blasts or quiet city drives, you can browse and find a vehicle tailored just for your needs! Check it out today!