Manual vs. Auto Transmission

[grampi]

Originally Posted by djct_watt

The MT is more aggressively geared with a higher final drive. . . so theoretically on the highway it should have worse MPG.

But being that it has 1 extra gear and the gears are shorter, it has a GREAT DEAL more power. Furthermore, MT always put more power to the wheel than autos, with the exception of expensive DSG/SMG/hydraulic auto-manuals. Those are tried and true manual transmissions that are electronically controlled. However an automatic with a selector/paddles and a regular torque converter and planetary gearset auto is NOT the same. Not all auto trannies are equal.

Higher final drive=taller final gearing=equals lower top gear RPMs, which in theory its highway mileage should be better.