Almost everyone who has considered stick shifts or manual transmissions is aware that there is a potential to get better mpg by using one. They also can help accelerate the car better.
What a lot of people don’t know about stick shifts is how much extra mpg is really possible, and whether choosing a manual transmission is worth it in the long run.
Generally speaking, yes, stick shifts can give you better mpg. But the extra miles you get from this over an automatic might not be as dramatic as you would expect. Choosing a stick shift over an automatic may be more of an individual preference than anything else.
How Much More MPG?OK, you do get better mileage over an automatic transmission. But to do this you have to be adept at using one. Missed shifts, running in the wrong gear, and other user errors can eat away, or totally eliminate the advantages of using a manual transmission.
But in general, using a manual over an automatic may get you about 1-2 extra mpg. In some cases this can be more, but that depends on the type of car you choose and how you drive it.
Stick shifts are usually found in smaller cars to assist them in performing better, as well as sports cars, which can significantly make the drive more fun.
Is It Worth It?That depends. If you live in a hilly city such as San Francisco, a stick shift can really tire you out as you transverse the steep terrain. Unless you are pretty experienced, starting from an uphill street can be close to impossible and you may burn out your clutch or roll backward into the car behind you.
Your mpg may take a nosedive as well in these types of driving conditions.
If you live in a traditional flatland environment, you still may tire yourself out due to stop and go traffic during commute hours.
But the underlying reason why some people still select a stick shift over an automatic is that once the technique is mastered, driving a stick can be a very entertaining way to drive.
But if your main reason to get a stick is for better mpg, the actual savings on gas may be minimal at best, and too close to call at worse.
They Cost Less and Are Less ComplicatedIf you choose stick shifts over automatics, you’ll most likely pay less for car because manual transmissions have few moving parts, are less complicated than automatics to manufacture, and are generally more dependable, which can keep your car out of the repair shop.
But based upon extra mpg alone, you get a few extra miles per gallon with a manual, but you’ll have to weigh the pluses and minuses to see if a stick shift is for you.
Source:
Consumer Reports