Automatic transmissions vs standard transmissions?

Question

I've been thinking about buying a new car. Since Standard transmissions are economical I've been leaning that way. However, I remember having standard transmissions in my earlier days from VW bugs to Ford Pintos, to a current farm truck, and each and everyone one of them, needs the clutch replaced sooner or later. On the otherhand, my automatic transmissions seem to go forever just on a filter change every so often Read, once every three or four years or when I can remember to do it).

So my question, since I'm too lazy to dig for the information myself, is: How much gas do you have to save to payback the cost of a clutch job (since I'm no longer able to crawl underneath the car and do it myself).

I know there are lots of variables here, but think that the difference between a standard tran and an automatic is around $500, and there is only a mile or two difference in milage.

Thanks.

DK

Answer 1

Well dk There are pros an cons to both. The Standard shift on the two cars that you mentioned where at the time the state of the art for the combination of gearing to power ratio with the fuel that was available at the time. Now with computer controls that take into consideration temperture/road speed/load/emission considerations/ comfort, all come into play with the modern vehicle along with the past considerations. But now both transmissions systems have been upgraded for optimum performance. The Standard shift in most cases has hydraulic clutch actuation with a self adjusting clutch also cable actuated systems use this.The standard now comes with overdrive like the cars of the 40s-50s and even with 6speeds with close ratio overdrives. Definition of overdrive is. The input of the transmission spin "slower" than the output which lowers engine RPM and reduces fuel consumption. etc. Now the automatic also has ratios for modern cars 3-6 ratios or 4-7speeds or even what is known as a CVT with a lock up torque converter to achieve a direct connection to the output of the engine this is the car of today. As far as fuel consumption they are pretty close at freeway use. By the way i drive a 58 veedub panel for fun. The tranzman

Answer 2

Dude...I Am In The Automotive Industry...The Question Is Which Car You Buy...Nothing European,Its Trash And Parts Are Ridiculous To Get And Very Expensive..Labor Rates Are Generally Alot Higher,And Qualified Mechanics Are Hard To Find.Go Asian For Sure...Toyota Or Nissan ..No Mazda's Or Such..lololol

Answer 3

Standard trans uses less gas, If you like to drive and have a little fun it's great, Auto more gas, little slower but better if a lot of in town driving and easy type driver. Personally prefered stick since 16, but now 70 and crippled my shift hand so bought an automatic Corvette which I enjoy.

Answer 4

if you are burninig up the clutch you must be riding it,you shouldn't have to replace one that often