Perhaps I've mentioned it before, but our kids are going to wonder why we call them "standard" transmissions when automatic is more common.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MetroMPG
I just read [yet another] article about the disappearance of manual transmissions from North American new cars:
Last of the manuals: Automatic transmissions may be the norm, but some cars still let you pick your gears
And I practically fell out of my chair when the writer did NOT simply regurgitate the false statement that modern automatics are more efficient than manuals.
He gets the nuance:
I'd guess it's 1 out of 20 auto journos / bloggers who actually understands this.
The rest just look at the EPA ratings and tell readers that the CVT is better. Sigh. |
Absolutely true, which is why I was dismayed when I briefly (1 month) owned an automatic Subaru and expected to beat EPA ratings as severely as I had in my previous 5-speed manual. It felt more sluggish and got much worse fuel economy.
It does seem that most automatics have taller top gears than their manual counterparts. The automatic version of my TSX will get better highway economy than my car no matter what I do. I actually get better fuel economy in deadlocked Portland traffic than highway because the gearing is so miserable.