The debate between automatic and manual transmission has been as old as the invention and introduction of the automatic transmission. Car enthusiasts have sworn by the name of their preferred transmission type. Let us check out a few reasons that make both of these transmission types unique and how do they differentiate from each other. 

The automatic system of transmission, also known as self-shifting transmission, is a transmission type in which the human involvement for changing gears in negligible, as the gear ratio change is done automatically with the decrease and increase in speed. Consequently, the driver is not required to change the gears manually and he or she remains free from the tedious task. 

The first and foremost advantage of the automatic transmission is that cars with this transmission system are generally easier to use as compared to their manual ones. In automatic system of transmission, you do not need to worry about the clutch and gear shaft. The change in gear ratio is done automatically by the transmission. It is especially great for novice drivers who find it rather comfortable and easy to use as there are lesser things to focus upon than a manual transmission car. 

Most of the time, especially if you are a novice driver, driving a manual car would leave you in this peculiar and embarrassing situation where your car just stalls. This is because you may have messed up the timings for the gear change or perhaps the clutch was not pressed enough and so on. In an automatic transmission, however, the possibility of such a thing is marginal. This is a great advantage, because not only is this situation embarrassing, but it is also dangerous, because if a car stalls in the middle of the freeway, then disaster could ensue. 

While driving in hilly areas, it is easier to control and drive a car that does not require constant gear changes at every turn. The same is the case with driving in high traffic conditions. In a place with high traffic density, in order to change gears, you have to push on the clutch over and over again, every time you change gears. Thus, the pressure on the clutch is monumental, and many times, this leads to the clutch plate being burnt. Not only does an automatic transmission save the unnecessary repair cost, but it also saves the driver from the hassle and ordeal of changing gears and pushing on the clutch every now and then. This is especially great for the novice and the infirm, for whom it is a very difficult task in itself. 

A vehicle operating on manual transmission requires the driver to change and shift the gear ratios using the gear shaft and clutch combination whenever he or she wants to decrease or increase the speed. Most car enthusiasts prefer the manual transmission over the automatic one. 

In the case of a manual transmission, the driver is able to control the gear changes. This allows the driver to decide the acceleration of the vehicle at particular RPMs. 

Manual transmission cars are cheaper to buy, as the cost of manual cars is far less than automatic ones. Thus, there is also the cost-saving associated with manual transmission cars. 

Of course, the maintenance cost for manual transmission cars is far lesser as compared to an automatic car. This is accruing to the fact that the automatic transmission is a very delicate system, while a manual transmission system is simpler and sturdier. Thus, maintenance and servicing costs are cheaper in manual systems. 

Manual and automatic transmission cars are both great in their own ways. At the end of the day, it is all about individual preferences and expectations.