Driving a manual car in a never-ending traffic jam makes you wish you had an automatic one instead. But how do the two compare when you look at the big picture?

Automatic
An automatic car has a gearbox that can change gear ratios automatically as the vehicle moves, thus freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually. A torque converter takes the place of the mechanical clutch, allowing the engine to remain running at rest without stalling while a planetary gear set creates different gear ratios.

Driving an automatic car is much easier for new drivers and those who just cannot multitask proficiently, as they may end up paying more attention to changing the gears correctly, instead of the road.

Automatic transmission puts less strain on engine and drivetrain components than an improperly driven manual car and as such, overall maintenance costs may be lower. However, auto cars have lower fuel efficiency and power than manual cars.

But you can’t beat the ease of an auto car in a traffic jam because all you have to do is transfer your right foot from the accelerator and brake pedals without having to manoeuvre the gear shaft.

Manual
Manual transmission is characterised by gear ratios that can be changed by engaging pairs of gears inside the transmission. Driving a manual car requires the driver’s full and continuous attention and prevents him from multitasking – which has its plus and minus points.

One hand has to hold the steering wheel and the other to operate the gear lever, while both feet must be in sync to get the clutch and accelerator pedals smoothing going. However, this is advantageous from the safety aspect as it discourages the driver from potential distractions like using a handphone.  

The big advantage manual cars have over automatics is power. The manual transmission couples the engine to the transmission with a rigid clutch instead of a torque converter that results in significant power loss.

Manual cars are generally significantly lighter than automatics and also cost less. They also typically offer better fuel economy.

Semi-automatic
Semi-automatic transmission, also known as clutchless or automated manual transmission, seems to combine the best of both worlds. There is no need to depress a clutch pedal before making a gear change, since the clutch itself is actuated by electronic equipment which can synchronise the timing and torque required to make gear shifts quick and smooth.