2007-04-23 17:59:56 · 4 answers · asked by Gerald G 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ BMW
Snowie covered it. If the gearing is the same manuals are better and cheaper to fix. Some autos have lower gearing allowing for better mileage though. Manuals will get better mileage because of having less moving parts and less friction (more efficient) and on a small engine like a 318 it will probably be faster too.
2007-04-24 01:51:28 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on your driving habits; and how well you shift in the MT car.
An AT car is usually heavier than a MT car. That alone adds to the fuel consumption.
The design of Automatic Transmissions allows the car to "slip" slightly (that's why you can be stationary on the brakes while on Drive and the engine will still be running). By design, this will take a few percentage points of power from your engine. That's why you see acceleration and speed figures on an AT car is always slower than a MT car.
So, if you are a good MT driver, comparing with an AT car, the MT will probably be more economical.
ALSO - here's the thing many don't plan for...
When a MT needs work, it's usually changing out the clutch. $300-$500 maybe?
When an AT needs work, you're looking at a transmission rebuild. $4,000!!
2007-04-24 02:12:23 · answer #2 · answered by Snowie 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Totally agreed with Snowie! Generally, manual transmission are more fuel economical than Auto transmission and definitely less expensive when it comes to repairs.
2007-04-24 02:24:41 · answer #3 · answered by JK 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
an automatic is more fuel efficient because it uses a "smart shift" transmision...it knows when to shift for max power and fuel economy
2007-04-24 01:51:27 · answer #4 · answered by justin g 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋