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Automatic Vs Manual: India’s automobile market is constantly evolving and along with it, the transmission systems used in cars are changing. Manual transmission in the market today (MT) to Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), CVT, AMT, IMT and torque converter automatic (AT). Every transmission has its own functioning, advantages and disadvantages. Read their detailed information below.

1. Manual Transmission (MT): The oldest, most reliable

Manual transmission was invented by a French inventor in 1980.

• It consists of gear box, clutch pedal and gears of different sizes.
• To change gear, shifting has to be done with the gear lever by pressing the clutch pedal.
• ‘Jerk’ may be felt if RPM does not match.

Advantages: With the driver in complete control, low cost, low maintenance and excellent reliability.
Loss: Changing gears frequently in traffic is irritating, difficult for new drivers.

2. Automatic Transmission (AT): Smooth drive with torque converter

This is considered to be the first true automatic system.

• It has a torque converter instead of a clutch, in which the pump and turbine transfer power.
• There is planetary gear system and metronic system for changing gears according to speed.

Advantages: No need for clutch pedal, smooth performance.
Loss: Low fuel efficiency, high maintenance and a little lag.

3. Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT): Smooth ride without gears

Launched in 1958, this system is based on pulleys and belts.

• The gear ratio is adjusted by changing the diameter of the pulley.

Advantages: Smoother driving, better mileage.
Loss: ‘Rubber-band effect’ in acceleration, low reliability, high maintenance.

4. Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT): The sportiest and fastest

This high-performance system, introduced in 1980, works with two clutches.

• One gearbox has odd gears and the other has even gears, due to which the gears are pre-engaged.

Advantages: Extremely fast shifting, low power loss, great performance.
Loss: Low-speed jerks, high maintenance and low reliability.

5. Automated Manual Transmission (AMT): A favorite in the budget segment

Ferrari first used it in its cars in 1997.

• It has a manual gearbox but the clutch operation is done by the computer.

Advantages: Affordable, easy maintenance, good efficiency.
Loss: Jerk and delay in gear shifting, average performance.

6. Intelligent Manual Transmission (IMT): Latest and traffic-friendly

• It has a manual gearbox but does not have a clutch pedal.
• The computer automatically controls the clutch.

Advantages: Comfort in traffic, efficiency like manual, low cost.
Loss: Slight lag in shifting, available in limited cars.

Which transmission costs how much?

Cost and Performance Comparison:

• MT: cheapest, most reliable
• AMT/IMT: economical and easy
• CVT/AT: Smoother but more expensive
• DCT: Fastest but most expensive and least reliable