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Are Paddle Shifters Better Than a Manual Transmission?

Donn Vickrey discusses the differences between paddle shifters and manual transmission.

By Donn VickreyPublished 2 years ago 4 min read
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Are Paddle Shifters Better Than a Manual Transmission?
Photo by Dillon Kydd on Unsplash

Most drivers are familiar with the difference between traditional manual transmissions vs. their automatic counterpart. Traditional manual transmissions require three pedals and plenty of practice to operate effectively. In contrast, automatic transitions are controlled by a car’s computer (and/or hydraulic) systems and require no driver input.

But there’s also a third, relatively recent option: the automated manual, or semiautomatic, transmission. Semiautomatic gearboxes provide an electronic interface – a shifter connected to an electronically activated clutch mechanism – between the driver and a manual gearbox. Most of these newer systems can operate in a fully automatic mode (shifting just like a traditional automatic) or in a semi-automatic mode (manual shifting but no clutch). Many also feature paddle shifters that allow the driver to change gears using “paddles” on either side of the steering wheel.

Which is the better option for the high-performance driver? It really depends on the driver and the type of driving preferred. The following considerations should give you a better idea of which is likely to be better for your next car.

Paddle Shifters Are Faster, More Consistent and Easier to Use

If speed, consistency, and ease of use are a priority, a semiautomatic box with paddle shifters is the way to go. With a manual transmission, drivers must synchronize the clutch, brake, throttle and gear lever just right to avoid overrevving the engine, locking the rear end or crunching the gears. And that makes it considerably slower on track.

Semiautomatic transmissions, on the other hand, require just a tap of the appropriate lever, and the car’s electronic systems figure out the rest. That makes for lightning-quick upshifts and downshifts, which is incredibly important for racers trying to cut fractions of a second off their lap times. A computer will always be faster, no matter how good a driver is at manual gear shifting.

Semiautomatic transmissions are also more consistent. That is, it’s difficult, if not impossible, to make an error. For example, the car’s computer won’t allow you to downshift to a lower gear if it would result in an overrev. Semiautomatic gearboxes match revs for you, eliminating the risk of a mistake due to improper rev-matching.

None of this means the driver is completely off the hook, however. To get the most out of a semiautomatic gearbox, drivers still need to know when a gearshift is appropriate to optimize the car’s performance.

Manual Transmissions Allow More User Engagement

The main objection I hear from drivers who dislike semiautomatic transmissions is that they feel less engaged without the third pedal and H-pattern shifter. And they’re right. To make the most of the car’s performance, you have to be completely engaged and in the zone to shift smoothly and consistently. One of the most satisfying sensations for a racer is the feel of a perfectly executed heal and toe downshift.

However, that extra user engagement also comes with a price. Not only is the traditional manual slower and less consistent, it also leads to a higher level of driver fatigue. Think about how you felt the last time operating a manual transmission in stop-and-go traffic for an hour. Now imagine how it might feel after a two-hour stint in a vintage racecar. Now it is true that drivers can offset physical fatigue with fitness training. However, mental fatigue is much more difficult to deal with. I’ve known many drivers who, in a state of mental exhaustion after a long stint, missed a shift and lost position or spun the car due to a botched heal and toe downshift. Worse, yet, some have made the inadvertent money shift – producing a major overrev that ended their race and emptied their wallet.

Which is Better?

So which gear shift technology is better? In the end, it depends on what the driver is looking for. For street drivers, the decision is relatively easy. Which do you prefer: speed and simplicity or a higher level of driver engagement?

For racers, the decision is generally made for you. If the rules allow for it – and barring any unfavorable weight penalties assessed – you will be faster and more consistent with a semiautomatic transmission.

As for me, the only way you’ll catch me driving a traditional manual is in a vintage race or … drumroll… a 2015 or later Porsche. After 45 years of experience with manual transmissions, one money shift, and a few other racing-related, manual mishaps, I’ve come to accept the technological superiority of semiautomatic transmissions. But I have to admit, Porsche’s current generation of traditional manual gearboxes is sublime.

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About the Creator

Donn Vickrey

Donn Vickrey, Ph.D., is a CPA and Certified Fraud Examiner living in Austin, Texas. Learn more at donnvickrey.co!

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