They are more comfortable. There is no discussion when it comes to day-to-day operation. Automatic transmissions are infinitely more pleasant to use, especially if we are drivers who spend a large part of the time in the city or directly in traffic. The absence of the third pedal and the gear lever allows us to focus solely on accelerating, braking and steering while the left foot rests.

They are associated with more and better technology. As we mentioned before, there are a number of driving assistance technologies that have their sights set on autonomous driving, but require an automatic transmission to work. This is the case of intelligent speed controls with a stop and start function or automatic emergency braking systems.

They are getting better every time. Historically we have criticized automatic transmissions for running flat, for having no soul. Before it was true, with the boring and bland behavior of the typical torque converter. Now the technique has evolved enough for dual-clutch gearboxes or even modern torque converter gearboxes to greatly approximate their operation to that of a human driver.

They are more and more widespread. Until a few years ago, an automatic gearbox was associated with a type of car with a luxury profile or with certain premium aspirations. Currently, practically all compact cars are offered with optional automatic gearboxes and not only for the most powerful engines in the range. Its popularity is growing as its operation is refined, to the point that it is really difficult to find powerful sports cars or supercars with manual transmissions.

They usually have manual mode. If you want to maintain control of the gear change, don’t worry. The vast majority of automatic gearboxes have an M (manual) or S (sequential) mode with which to decide when to insert a gear more or less through the lever or the cams located behind the steering wheel.

Drawbacks

More expensive maintenance. Despite the fact that their maintenance periods are more spaced (especially those of the torque converter), automatic gearboxes raise the bill when they have to go through the workshop. They have more moving parts and a lot more electronics, which increases the cost of repair.

Higher consumption. Automatic transmissions, on average, consume slightly more than manual transmissions. This figure is gradually approaching thanks to technical advances and even in Volkswagen DSG transmissions lower consumption is announced thanks to a more continuous thrust, without interruptions of thrust between gears.

Less sensations. Although automatic gearboxes are much better than they were a few years ago and although they have a manual mode, they are still less emotional than the link that is created with the clutch and the lever of a lifetime. The touch is filtered and sometimes a little slow, which means that part of the personal aspect of driving is lost.