rearch paper final draft

8/3/2019 Rearch Paper Final Draft

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Derek Sanders

English 101

4/13/11

Research PaperFinal

As technology continues to improve and allows people to relinquish an ever inceasing

amount of responsibility, some more-effective but out-dated methods are left behind. A good

example of this is the manual transmission being dominated by its newer, easier, and more

simple automatic counterpart, although manual transmissions are far more benefitial. Nowadays

its nearly impossible to find a new car with a manual transmission stock. In 1985, according to

Wards Communications, only 22.4% of automobiles sold in the United States came with a stick

shift setup, in 2007 that number had all but disappeared, dropping to a mere 7.7% of vehicles

sold (Seaman). These statistics are not isolated incidents, observing vehicle sales on AOL Autos

shows that out of 4,391,747 automobiles, only 241,560 (5.5%) possessed a manual transmission.

Manual transmissions are far more rewarding to operate in comparison to the new easy

automatic transmissions.

In todays world, Going Green is one of the ever present concerns with popular culture

in America. This national movement leads to Americans spending thousands upon thousands of

dollars to purchase new hybrid vehicles, both to seem economically responsible, and to save

funds on increasing gasoline prices. Manual transmissions have been found to improve gas

mileage by as much as two to five miles per gallon. In a test conducted in 2008, it was

discovered that of seven models tested by Consumer Reports, a company who tests products

consumers purchase for the most efficient models, the manual versions (of the exact same car)


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had an average 3.3 miles per gallon increase in comparison to automatic versions. (Consumer

reports, 2008, 39) This increase is due to being able to more precisely control engine rotations

per minute, (thats right, the tachometer is not there just to fill a blank space in the dash board.)

In addition to fuel economy, manual transmissions are also cheaper to purchase in comparison to

automatic models. A manual transmission Ford Focus SES is $17,440, the automatic model costs

$18,490. A Manual Mini Cooper/Clubman costs $21,700 whereas the automatic version costs

$24,700.(Consumer Reports, 2008, 39) Although the price differences fluctuate, the trend is the

same among all makes and models of automobiles; manual transmissions are cheaper.

Next point of interest is the amount of control over the vehicle that a manual transmission

places in the operators hands. Being able to control the rotations per minute (by selecting when

or when not to shift gears) allows drivers to rev up their vehicles rpms which results in faster

acceleration. In a similar test conducted in 2008, manual transmission models and automatic

transmission models were tested on their acceleration rate (0-60 miles per hour). Unsurprisingly,

the manuals left the automatics in the dust, with the Ford Focus SESs manual time being 9.0

seconds, vs. 10.1 seconds in the automatic. Honda Accord LX-P(4-cyl.): 8.4 seconds vs. 9.8,

Honda Civic EX: 8.6 seconds vs. 10.1 seconds,(Consumer Reports, 2008, 39) but you get the

picture. On the opposite side of the spectrum, being able to control a vehicles rpms also allows

for a phenomena called engine-breaking. This method is when the vehicle is down-shifted a

gear, causing the rpms to increase to match the speed of the vehicle while using a lower gear-

ratio, this increase in rpms causes the car to slow its speed without requiring the use, or wearing,

of braking mechanisms. The increased acceleration, or deceleration, of manual transmission

vehicles increase safety in times of need, whether it be accelerating to avoid a potential

dangerous situation, or to reduce speed instantly after failing to see a crossing pedestrian.


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The benefits do not stop there, manual transmissions are also much more fail-safe in

extreme weather conditions. Being able to control gear-ratios enables the driver to have more

traction control of their vehicle. While driving in the snow with a higher gear-ratio, the tires are

not allowed to spin as rapidly, allowing for more traction and less slippage, which is very useful

when attempting a steep hill (like those found in Pullman, WA). On the other hand, when up to

speed, leaving the vehicle in a lower gear-ratio allows the car to slow down instantly when the

gas pedal is released. Since the brakes are not being utilized, there is no possibility of wheels

locking up and uncontrolled sliding to occur unwanted. I can personally attest to these methods,

being a manual transmission driver myself.

Manual transmissions also require much less costly maintenance in comparison to

automatic transmissions. A manual transmission is immensely cheaper to replace, generally the

clutch pad, than an automatic transmission. Automatic transmissions require much more frequent

maintenance than manuals as well, and when it breaks, the band that pulls the gears into place

has broken, which requires an entire new transmission, vs. a new clutch plate, gear shaft, etc.

Maybe having control over your vehicle is innate in human nature, a trip to the past

where one finds himself astride a steed, with intimate control over where you go and how fast

you arrive. Manual transmission vehicles are superior in many ways to automatics, which only

have a true benefit of being user-friendly and simple. Manuals boast increased fuel economy,

driver control, and vehicle safety. In a world that seems to become more and more out of control

each day, operating an automobile gives you complete control, but with a manual transmission

and a clear road as far as you can see, what more can be hoped for these days?


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Save gas and money with a stick shift. (October 01, 2008). Consumer Reports, 73, 10.)

Popular mechanics complete car repair manual: Simplified auto repair for the Saturday

mechanic. (1975). New York: Book Division, Hearst Corp.

Seaman, K. (2010, February 26) Check The Manual (Transmission): Stick Shift Cars Going

Away autos.aol.com/article/stick-shift-love-affair/

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