CHOOSING the proper color of shirt to purchase is already a challenging undertaking for an unsure person. Meanwhile, for others, deciding whether to buy an automatic or a manual car can be difficult.
Several factors, particularly among Gen Z drivers, can impact their preference for automatic versus manual transmissions, reflecting larger trends in vehicle technology, convenience, and cultural shifts.
Furthermore, the decision between automatic and manual transmissions is important, reflecting broader concerns regarding driving patterns, vehicle maintenance, and personal preferences.
The love for cars
Without hesitation, republicasia decided to interview two Gen Zs who are verified automobile enthusiasts, asking them to give their ideas on the subject and how their passion for vehicles began.
“Cars are like the entirety of my childhood. All the toys I played with when I was young were all about cars. Tomica, Hot Wheels, the die-cast scale models, and even Lego, you name it,” said Santos.
“I didn’t collect or store them, I played with them all! I enjoy cars because of just how pretty they were and how “macho” some of them sounded, like your rev “vrooms” and turbo “stututu” sounds.”
“I just think they’re super fun to drive around and for me cars are like therapy—albeit a bit more expensive with rising gas prices,” he added.
Photo Courtesy: Marianne Bellido
Meanwhile, Marianne Bellido, a 23-year-old college student, has already begun working as a vehicle salesperson. Her love of vehicles began at a young age, motivated by their family’s car dealership.
“It actually started when I was at the age of 8 since my family’s business is a car dealership. So basically they grew up building and fixing cars as to which I got to watch and experience first hand,” said Bellido.
“Since then I started to admire and enjoy building cars. Yes it is quite odd to see a girl at that age to be in a men dominated hobby/sport, but that didn’t stop me.”
“When I became 10 years old, my dad signed me up for racing, which I am thankful for now, since in today’s generation being a car girl or guy is like a culture and a type of bond to connect and meet new people,” she added.
Driving experience
Both of these Gen Zs’ families preferred to teach them how to drive a manual car at first. With both having claims that after learning how to drive a manual car, it would be easier for them to drive an automatic one.
“I drive both a manual and an automatic. My family always insisted that I start on a manual, and they’re right. There’s just this satisfying feeling when you engage the gears and have full control of your car,” said Santos.
“I love driving a manual, as long as it’s not in EDSA-level traffic,” joked the 24-year-old. “Automatics are also fun, I’ve driven turbo diesel matics with much more kick than our family car.”
Photo Courtesy: Marianne Bellido
Bellido has a strong passion for cars, having been introduced to them at a young age. Given that concept, the lady driver is quite excited since she has the opportunity to learn how to drive a manual car.
“My parents focused on teaching me to drive a manual transmission, since if you master how to drive a manual then driving an automatic car would be, and i quote, “like a walk in the park”,” she said.
“By then, I became more comfortable driving a manual transmission. So, yes, like what I mentioned previously, I grew up in the racing scene and driving a manual is the most common type of car when racing.”
Which is better?
These Gen Zs, who have driven both gearboxes, are the best people to ask which they prefer: automatic or manual.
“In the Philippines today, driving an automatic car is way more convenient than driving a manual transmission, because anywhere you go there will always be traffic especially when you’re driving during rush hour,” said Bellido
Photo Courtesy: Marianne Bellido
“Personally, I would still choose a manual car rather than an automatic and if we are going to talk about gasoline, driving a manual would be less pricey because you can level and estimate when to use/pump gas,” she explained.
Santos, on the other hand, argues that both transmission methods have advantages and disadvantages. It always depends on where you are, how much traffic there is, and whether you prefer one over the other.
“Like what I said, I love my manuals when it comes to expressways and when there’s no traffic, but I hate driving them in standstill traffic as it causes arm fatigue and foot pain,” explained Santos.
“Meanwhile, I love driving automatics if I have to do quick short drives, driving in roads that I haven’t driven to without the afterthought of burning my clutch, and when the traffic that day is too uncertain.”
“A lot of people always fight about which is better, and I’d just say just drive whichever you’re comfortable with, or just use the manual mode of an automatic,” he added.
Individuals’ perspectives may differ depending on their observation and driving experience. At the end of the day, a driver will always decide which is more comfortable for them.
Both automatic and manual transmissions have advantages and disadvantages; the decision is up to the driver or the prospective customer. What would be your preference between the two?
