Automatic VS Manual Transmission

[Diamondpilot]

I've got the DSG transmission in my Jetta TDI. It is an automated manual. Two sets of clutches and two sets of gears, odd and even. When it gets ready to shift, the other set of clutches/gears are already doing their thing waiting for a more "seamless" shift.

Maintenance is expensive on it. It is a Porsche/Audi design, too. I like it, but as I said, it is fairly expensive to maintain for a transmission.

Yes, this is one of the trannys I was talking about. My neighbor just got a VW Passat Diesel with one. Like you said, $800 fluid changes ever 40,000 miles or so is steep.

Chris

 

[RobertBrown]

To summarize:

Manual Transmissions:
1. Are more efficient at transferring torque to the ground, which produces more power at the wheels and increases fuel efficiency.
2. Provide better engine braking, due to a direct connection between the engine and transmission
3. Are more reliable and are cheaper to maintain.
4. Do not search for gears on hills.
5. Can be used to start the engine in the case of starting system failure.
6. Keep drivers more in tune to what is going on.


Automatic Transmissions:
1. Multiply torque for starting out
2. Prevent lugging
3. Reduce driveline shock
4. Require less skill to operate


Did I miss anything?

I think you'll find the recomended towing capacity is considerably more with an automatic then it is with a manual, regardless of how the vehicle is equipped.
If your thinking of buying a vehicle for towing, you should probably check those parameters before you purchase.

 

[schoolsout]

I think you'll find the recomended towing capacity is considerably more with an automatic then it is with a manual, regardless of how the vehicle is equipped.
If your thinking of buying a vehicle for towing, you should probably check those parameters before you purchase.

I sell Isuzu commercial trucks and the manual option has reduced horsepower, torque and GCWR. Never really asked why, but you do bring up a good point.

 

[JDgreen227]

I did a lot of towing with our travel trailer from '95 through '02, and read a lot of information about new tow vehicles during that time. Without exception, the tow ratings for pickups and SUV's equipped with automatic transmissions were far higher than for the same truck using a manual shift. It wasn't so much the transmission itself that limited the tow rating, but the clutch itself was the weak spot.

 

[HHR]

The 6 speed auto in the new Ford Fusion sport package allows you to put it in manual mode and start out in 3rd gear if you want. It will hold any gear you put it in.

 

[Raspy]

The new Dodge trucks with manual trannies have lower torque than the ones with the autos because the trans they have been using for some time (G56 german made manual 6 speed) are not rated for the current output from the 6.7 Cummins.

 

[frischtr]

The new Dodge trucks with manual trannies have lower torque than the ones with the autos because the trans they have been using for some time (G56 german made manual 6 speed) are not rated for the current output from the 6.7 Cummins.

There are plenty of guys running the g56 with way higher hp/torque than the factory ratings with nothing but an upgraded clutch. I'm talking 1k hp / 2k torque type numbers. It's a cop-out by Dodge to try to lessen manual sales even more.

 

[Diamondpilot]

There are plenty of guys running the g56 with way higher hp/torque than the factory ratings with nothing but an upgraded clutch. I'm talking 1k hp / 2k torque type numbers. It's a cop-out by Dodge to try to lessen manual sales even more.

I am surprised that Dodge has not canned the manual like Ford did years ago and GM did with a few years back.

Chris

 

[Patches]

I would opt for a manual as there is nothing more aggrevating(to me)than climbing a hill with a trailer that you know you could make without a downshift, "IF" you could only open the throttle just a "little" without the D--- transmission downshifting. I would think it to be more fuel efficient to boot:thumbsup:

 

[firedog]

I would like to have a technical conversation about modern automatic transmissions and why more and more heavy duty trucks are only available with automatics.

I know, there are lots of people who do not know how to drive a manual, or just dont feel like shifting gears becasue it interferes with their cell phone use, smoking, eating, or whatever else they do while driving. Manufactures offer what people want.

My question is: What technical advantage do automatic transmissions offer for heavy towing?

We just upgraded our KW's last year. The new ones have the Eaton ultrashift 12 speed auto, which is quite a change from the 8 speed manual I was used to. I'll admit it's a lot nicer in heavy traffic, but I was a little ansy the first time I pulled thru the Rockies. The autos have a variable exhaust brake instead of an engine brake (aka jake).
I talked to a guy driving an auto Volvo some years ago, he stated the demand for automatics came as a result of the retiring husband & wife teams the were hitting the OTR industry.(?)

Anyway, we got what we got.
pros: easy in traffic

cons: suffers a bit on fuel mileage

IMHO: I'd rather have a manual (16 speed road ranger to be exact) especially in the hills.

Oh yeah, the newer ultrashift plus has an anti rollback setup for starting out on inclines, so you don't have to pull down on the trailer brakes. :thumbsup: