Why do the majority of cars in Europe have manual transmissions?
It all boils down to car prices. Car prices are higher in Europe, and in some European countries (like Denmark, Finland, Turkey, Netherlands etc.) much higher . Also the insurance and yearly tax are also higher. This forces people to think twice before dumping min. €2.000 on an automatic transmission. If we had American car prices, believe me, almost everyone but hardcore enthusiasts would drive automatic. So, all the other reasons are dwarfed by the sheer price but they are: Old automatics were not as fuel efficient as manuals. There are still many people in Europe believe that an automatic will always consume more petrol. This is mostly not true nowadays, but beliefs are hard to change. Furthermore, petrol prices in Europe are really expensive (Also the reason why we have tiny engines compared to prevalent massive V8 or V6 american engines). But the somewhat ironic thing is that, if you don't shift properly (i.e a rookie) you're definitely burning more fuel than a modern automatic.(To add to the point above) Automatic transmission is heavier than manual. This increases the fuel consumption. Maintenance and repair costs of an automatic is higher than manual. More exotics like Volkswagen's DSG will cost you dearly.People who live in mountainous terrain, in some (maybe most, compared to USA) parts of Europe, often don't like automatics because not all respond well in inclined and tight twisted roads. It's also important in safety terms. If you're going downhill with a loaded car and the automatic transmission fails to downshift you're in trouble.People have to drive a manual when they get their license. So, most possibly their first car will be a manual before they get the hang of it.Machismo. Especially in young people. "Automatics are for girls/puffs" is still a somewhat deciding factor in preference of manual. Although, it has some merit as quite many women are not so fond of manual. But as I said, driving manual in Europe is not set in stone or some weird historic pride. Lower the prices and watch the substantial increase in automatics. Also today, there are more automatics than ever. Especially people in congested cities prefer to pay a bit more and save themselves from a stiff left leg from all that stop-start-stop-start half clutch slumber.
Why do Europeans still drive Manual transmission instead of Automatic transmission? the year is 2010, not 1950?
Yep, and the emphasis being on the word "drive" To really drive a car with it's full potential (and yes including off-roading, rural driving etc and not just sitting on a highway in rush hour) the good old gear stick is useful Yes the vast majority of Europeans use a manual but it's not looked at as being 2nd rate - if anything then it's the opposite e.g. here in the Netherlands, I have a colleague who failed the driving exam (practical) multiple times and in the end the only way she could pass was with an automatic car, so she has a driving licence which allows her to drive an automatic but not a manual - and to be honest it's not held with much credibility! It's a different culture I know, but there are distinct advantages to having a manual car (apart from the expeirence of really "driving" rather than piloting). - manual cars are generally cheaper than automatics to purchase anyway and hold their value as a second hand car more than automatics (at least in Europe anyway) - performance wise manual cars are cheaper to run as well, and given the price differential between petrol (gas) between US & Europe (Europe generally paying twice the price that it is in the US), it's a pretty major factor all things considered. Engine size is also smaller and automatics don't perform as well with the kind of small compact cars which are common in Europe because a gearstick is almost a necessity to get the best from a car - cost wise - car tax in many countries runs on a basis of weight and automatics are generally heavier than manuals - environmental - with more efficiency a manual has obvious environmental benefits as well which is highly thought of in Europe. Some taxation systems work on Co2 emissions (linked to fuel effiency) and so there are benefits all round So why change to an automatic. I've driven one both here and also in the US - nice, great, but nothing special. I like driving and part of driving for me is actually using the gearstick :0) So actually I could turn the question on the head and ask why Americans don't drive a car with a gearstick given the obvious benefits :0)
What to choose for my first car: manual transmission or automatic transmission?
It isn't 99.9%. In North America, 84% of cars sold have automatic transmissions. However, almost all sports cars and motorcycles are standards (manual transmissions). In addition, if you travel to Europe or Asia, you'll find the numbers nearly the opposite -- say 75% standards or so. It is easier to learn to drive a standard and then switch to an automatic, than it is to learn to drive an automatic and then switch to a standard. In many states, they won't allow new drivers to drive a standard unless they took their road tests on a standard transmission. So, it is typically better for one to learn on a standard, since it gives you the ability to drive either type of vehicle - in case you want a sport's car or say vacation in Spain. Typically, people who learn on an automatic never take the time to learn to drive standard. Many say those learning to drive standards are better drivers -- merely because you need a better sense of the vehicles speed in order to shift. I learned on an automatic and got my license with one. You can find drivers programs with standards, but it might be a problem to find a vehicle to practice in. I moved to an automatic vehicle and it is a lot easier. Then again, I can now drive a standard if I need or want one. It is harder on a licensing exam. Testers can fail you for making a turn in the wrong gear, not gearing down before stopping, keeping your foot on the clutch too long, stalling the car, etc. There are just a few more things you can forget to do. Then again, most people to take the time to learn on a standard are typically more motivated to get proficient in before taking their road tests. Best advice... learn on which ever car you can get access to for practicing on. Standards just aren't easy to find for a new driver -- considering that sport's car insurance for a new driver is insanely expensive. If you are lucky enough to have a choice... go for the standard if you have any interest in a motorcycle, sports car, or plan on traveling outside North America a lot.
When did the manual transmission fall out of favor in the United States? and why?
I find that I'm one of the few drivers in my are who still uses a standard transmission, and yet the majority of the rest of the world continues to use them. When did the United States switch to (nearly) all automatic? Today most American cars cannot be bought with a stick shift!
Why Do Americans Prefer Cars with Automatic Transmissions?
Many of us Americans are lazy,dont have any experience with clutches, or just find standard transmissions as an inconvenience. However, I prefer to drive standard cars because of the control I have over the car unlike automatic transmissions which basically do everything themselves minus accelerate and brake. But I am also glad that automatic transmissions are available for people who aren't as mechanically inclined as myself. For example, my mom. If they're weren't automatic available she probably wouldn't be driving because she has no desire to learn how to drive a standard car. As for your last statement, I kind of got the hint that you were assuming that most modern day Americans drive huge cars that get "10 mpg". Even though some people in the U.S. still have the American mentality that "bigger is better", I only own small cars because I am not an idiot that drives around huge Tahoe's or F350's with a 12 inch lift for commuting to school/work. To be honest I find these people very annoying, they believe they are better than everyone because they sit about 2 feet above others. As for me, I drive a 1.8 litre inline four and get about 30 mpg and laugh at these morons who get negative mpg.
What transmission is used in "Nascar"?
In Europe, we barely drive with automatic cars. Even competition such as "Rally" the drivers go for manual. But in America, for what i have heard, people tend to go for automatic. So I was wondering, considering "Nascar" is in US and the transmission most used is automatic, Do divers race by stick or not?