Manual or automatic gearbox? Which is better?

When we go to buy a car, we are used to choosing between several options, but one of them, which we tend not to consider, is the automatic or manual gearbox. In other countries the former is quite popular, but Spanish drivers resist it. But is the automatic gearbox better than the manual?

To begin with, let us define what an automatic gearbox is. Its very name tells us that it is a gearbox that operates electronically, upshifting or downshifting according to the demands of driving and without the driver needing to intervene. Unlike a manual gearbox, it does not require the driver to press the clutch, since it works thanks to an automatic system.

The main difference between the two is precisely that the automatic gearbox frees the driver from having to keep changing gear, and it acts autonomously, offering a smoother gear ratio whenever it is needed. An advantage in city driving, for example, where stops at traffic lights, stop signs and junctions are constant.

It is enough to release the accelerator, press the brake, and the gearbox shifts down to a lower gear, with no need to touch the lever. In addition, it is ideal for novice drivers, since the engine does not stall, that terrible situation that happens far too often even when you are accustomed to using the clutch.

New automatic gearboxes are increasingly reliable and work better and better, improving efficiency, helping fuel consumption fall and increasing safety by allowing concentration on the road not to diminish. In practical terms, the sensation of gear changes has been completely eliminated, that small jolt that occurs when the manual lever changes gear, and the annoying wrong-gear shifts are avoided, such as selecting second when you meant to select fourth.

The manual gearbox has always been considered better for having more complete control of the car, and it is the choice for competition and for users who want to get the most out of the engine or want to enjoy that moment of pressing the clutch and moving the lever. Manual gearboxes have also changed in recent years and their use has improved, making them more efficient too.

So, manual or automatic? The automatic gearbox may be ideal for the “type” of user, because it avoids having to change gears and gets good performance from the car. If you want to control the gear changes, you can also shift through paddles or a lever, so control does not leave the driver’s hands.

For those who enjoy the experience of the clutch and the gear lever, for whatever reason, they can opt for the manual gearbox, although at the level of someone who drives day to day, the difference is negligible. Still, for convenience, we can only recommend the automatic. What do you think?