Quote:
Originally Posted by davesrave
I guess it's because we hear the computer can shift in .1 seconds, lockup in 2nd thru 6th, and uses logic that is actually pretty good at predicting driving intentions while in sport mode. That kind of technology, if done right, at least raises the question.
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I guess the most accurate way to put it would be that a driver paying attention to managing engine load and rpm will be able to coax much more fuel economy out of a manual than an auto could hope for. With manual gear selection on autos you can get close though. An automatic can get better economy for the casual driver whose thoughts on driving or fuel economy are limited to "push the gas, the car goes forward", or the manual transmission driver who doesn't bother to shift into the highest gear available.
An automatic transmission in auto mode has the inherent limitation of needing to translate the gas pedal input into commands for both the engine and the gearbox. It also has the inherent limitation of having a hydraulic system which consumes a small amount of power, and a bit more weight to lug around.