Hello,
I hope this isn't a flame or a FAQ but what are the pros and cons of automatic and manual gearboxes? I've only ever driven manual cars before. I've just been on holiday and rented a car which was automatic. I get the impression that Britain is the only county that drives manual cars; is that true? Why?
I found the automatic a pleasure to drive. The only problem I had was that if I went up along a motorway slip road I would put my foot down to accelerate to motorway speed and the gearbox would drop a couple of gears and rev loudly. I really wanted it to stay in the gear it was in and accelerate. If I approached a hill I would press the gas to counter the gradient and the same thing happened. I am used to driving a sluggish diesel, so perhaps I was heavy footed? Was it my fault or is this a "feature" of an automatic gearbox to do this?
How should they be driven properly? I wasn't given much instruction!
I have spoken to some people who think they are "something else to go wrong". Is that true? Are they prone to break? I guess they are expensive to repair?
What is the life of an auto gearbox? Is it better than a manual gearbox and clutch? I wonder whether the reverse is true: is a manual more likely to wear out or fail because it can be driven badly, whereas does an auto change more smoothly and gently?
I see that autos have a slightly lower fuel economy. Why is that? Is the gearbox/gear changing not as efficient or is it that the auto gearbox is much heavier than a manual and weighs the car down?
Finally, is there such a thing as a diesel automatic?
(Thinking of changing my car and weighing up the gearbox options)
TIA