The use of stick shift cars is gradually fading away. Although still very much around, they are less common than some decades ago. In this post, you will get to know what manual transmission cars offer and why it is becoming a thing of the past.
Stick Shift Cars are those cars that operate via a manual or standard transmission. In the manual transmission, you, as the driver, will have to shift or change gears to accelerate or decelerate when driving. Stick shift cars come with three pedals as opposed to two in automatic vehicles. The third pedal is the clutch pedal, usually found beside the brake pedal.
Learning to drive a car with a manual transmission takes a lot of practice. To change gears, you have to press down the clutch pedal, shift the stick to your desired gear and then release the clutch pedal. Pressing down on and releasing the clutch pedal will stop and restore the engine’s power to the transmission. However, it is not as easy as you see in these lines; it requires long hours of training.
You would wonder why anyone would prefer to own a car where you have to shift gears manually. Anyone getting a stick shift car will do so because
- It is cheaper than automatic cars,
- It gives the driver a sense of control over the gears,
- It is fuel-efficient,
- It offers superior acceleration, applicable to racers, and
- It is fun to drive.
Statistics show that only 1% of the cars sold in the U.S. are stick shift cars. It is more prevalent in Europe and Asia, where about 80% of vehicles have stick gears.
Cars that existed before the wars were manual transmission cars. Then after World War II, automatic cars became a luxury that only the rich could afford. By 1957, 80% of vehicles in the U.S. market were automatic. In the late 1990s, manual cars still dominated, with a sales record of more than a quarter. The next decade saw a significant reduction, with 37% of manual cars in 2011.
The notion of sports cars having to be manual has changed. Sport car makers like Porsche and Ferrari used to think cars without the manual shift will have an inferior performance on the track. Automatic cars now have gearboxes that can match and outperform manual cars. Companies like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Corvette only produce sports cars with automated gearboxes.
Automatics offer comfort away from paying attention to shifting gears during your ride. Manual drivers will also not have the remote engine start luxury if they stick with it. Also, cars with manual transmissions are said to be cheaper, but in recent times, some automatic cars have been more affordable than manual cars.
Would you consider a stick shift when you next want a car? Your need will determine your choice. If you are a performance driver, you may go for vehicles with manual transmissions. If you drive around a lot, an automatic car will be best for you, as you can quickly stop and move without having to shift gears yourself.
Many automotive companies no longer produce stick shift cars. For purists, a few companies still make manual transmission cars, like the Ford Mustang Shelby GT350. However, the world of automobiles is going electric; many companies follow Tesla to produce single-speed electric cars. In general, the world expects shift stick cars to become a thing of the past before the next decade.
Whether you own a shift stick car or one with automatic transmission, let us ship it for you. We have experienced professionals ready to pick up your car and deliver it to your home. Call (866) 821-4555 right now to speak with a dedicated auto transport coordinator.
- Should I buy a manual or automatic car?
Your choice depends on your needs. The manual transmission vehicle is for you if you are going for affordability and a technical driving experience. And if you want comfort while driving, go for an automatic car.
- Why are there so little manual cars in America?
Manual cars do not suit the driving culture in the U.S. One of the cultures is driving long distances in and out of traffic, and manual cars tend to add extra work to driving.
