4x4 Action Group

Why is there a difference in price between a Auto and a Manual vehicle?

I understand it to be because an automatic transmission costs more than a manual or is more intricate/sophisticated/complex

I know that there was a time that some cars were priced the same auto and manual, if I remember correctly Porsche was one that charged the same for either, cannot recall the others..I have it vaguely that it might even be the first 3.8 Rubicons that were imported...

It also depends on the type of autobox. Some are more expensive to make like CVT or DSG boxes. Manual boxes are relatively simple. There are even manufacturers that not longer offer any manual cars.

The modern auto is an expensive piece of equipment.

Mad Manny wrote: ↑

Fri Jul 12, 2019 11:28 am

The modern auto is an expensive piece of equipment.

Hunter2x4 would be proud of this informative post.

Manual transmission have less moving parts and as a result are much less complex than an auto.

A manual gearbox has gear ratios positioned on an input shaft with a mechanical selector and a clutch.

An Automatic gearbox has a series of planetary gears and clutches within the casing - and its own oil system and pump.

Basically more clever bits, bobs and pieces for those too lazy to depress a clutch pedal

IIRC, autos are more expensive to insure than manuals.

XJ Junkie wrote: ↑

Fri Jul 12, 2019 11:17 am

It also depends on the type of autobox. Some are more expensive to make like CVT or DSG boxes. Manual boxes are relatively simple. There are even manufacturers that not longer offer any manual cars.

I see Audi has gone this route in the US - apparently only 5% of its buyers prefer manual transmissions.

Ricoffy wrote: ↑

Fri Jul 12, 2019 3:13 pm

Hunter2x4 would be proud of this informative post.

It was a simplistic post answering a simple question.

"Why do things that are more expensive cost more"...

In many cases, the automatic version of a specific vehicle is of a higher spec than the manual versions. SWAMBO and my mother drive similar W169 A200 Mercs - the same year, same colour and supposedly the same Avant Garde spec. Mom's auto version has a few extra features, like PDC and even little differences like chrome trim on the horizontal area of the rear bumper under the tailgate and in the interior.