Yeah they say speed kills, but often its lack of control that kills. But to compare Automatic vs. Manual is often taken as a comparison of Macho(manual) vs. Sissy(auto). In other cases its compared to as Ease(auto) vs. Clunky(manual).
I’ve driven cars since I was 15. Working as a consultant I get to travel a lot driving cars of various makers and models. Hence as an amateur Auto expert, I’d consider the following factors in comparing Auto vs. Manual transmission:
1. the Make of the car. Probably one of the most underrated point is the make. Driving a Manual Hyundai probably makes no sense other than economic. while driving a racing car like a BMW, you’d lose the driving experience when you are driving an Auto trans.
2. Driving conditions: Ok if you spend 90% of time in a city crowded driving, its a hassle to use the stick-shift. your legs are tired by the time you get home and only your biceps are getting a good exercise. Better use an auto to ease you home.
3. Fuel economy: Ok this again depends on driving conditions and the driver’s ability but Manual cars are known to give at least a 10-15% increase in fuel economy.
4. Impressing babes: Ok from personal experience, its nice to take your date home in style, impressing her with your BMW shifts, doing your icy Schumacher overtake in traffic using that power generated by the shift to third gear. Scores you brownie points:)
5. Safety: Modern cars have awesome safety equipment. But on bad roads, hilly terrain, icy roads, its been proven that Manual cars can handle the conditions better than Automatic cars of the same manufacturer.
If you own multiple cars like I do, a variety always helps.