Reasons Behind the Greater Popularity of Manual Transmissions in Europe Compared to the USA

When it comes to us car enthusiasts, there aren't many things more gratifying in the act of driving than using a manual transmission. There's something about being more connected to the car with a manual that can't be matched with an automatic transmission. You feel more involved, and you get the sense that without you, the driver, the car is nothing more than a paperweight. With an automatic, the car merely needs you to operate the throttle and point it in the right direction.

About thirty years ago, the majority of cars sold in the United States came equipped with manual transmissions, except for the more expensive models. If you preferred an automatic, it came at an additional cost, as it was perceived as a luxury feature. However, due to economies of scale, automatic transmissions have now become the norm, while manuals are considered a niche option. The situation in Europe is somewhat distinct. What accounts for this difference?

In this feature, we explored purchasing trends in the USA and Europe to uncover the genuine reasons behind Europe's enduring affection for manual transmissions.

1 Cost

The majority of cars which offer manuals in the States carry a bit of a premium, or at the very least are on-par with automatic transmission-equipped vehicles. For example, the base Toyota Corolla trim level, called the LE, costs $22,325. However, if you want to move into a Corolla with a stick, you'll have to upgrade to the sporty GR Corolla, which starts at $39,995. Basically, the manual transmission is seen as the enthusiast choice.

In Europe, vehicles such as the Dacia Sandero typically come equipped with a manual transmission as standard, requiring buyers to pay extra if they want an automatic option. This trend is also evident in the Škoda Fabia, a no-frills compact hatchback designed for urban driving. These models continue to feature manual gearboxes from older designs that date back over a decade, making it more economical to offer the base versions with a manual transmission while charging additional fees for the automatic variants.

2 Fuel Economy

It's worth mentioning that some CVT-type automatic transmissions used today do get better mileage than manual transmissions, but when it comes to cars built on older platforms using older technology, you can't beat the ultimate control of a manual gearbox. Having said that, it's not impossible to beat a modern automatic transmission.

In the following table, we will present three instances where manual versions of various vehicles achieve superior combined fuel efficiency compared to their automatic counterparts:

*Specifications provided by FuelEconomy.gov

3 Shorter European Commutes