The history of manual cars can be accredited to two French developers, Emile Lessavor and Louis Rene Panhard. Together, they created the first manual transmission in 1894, using a three-speed design, and the basic design is used up to date for most manual throttles (Collins). Their first model relied on a chain drive; however, in 1898, they improved it by substituting the drive chain with a drive shaft and having a differential axle, which helped to improve manual transmission performance. A Canadian steam engineer made the first automatic transmission using hydraulic fluid three decades later in 1921. However, the method did not have much power and thus was never sold commercially until 1948, when General Motors launched its first model, Oldsmobile, which used automatic transmission (Jerew). Since then, there have been improvements in both designs until now when they are the two most used transmission methods. This study will evaluate the two models by examining what makes them different and their advantages and disadvantages.
The manual transmission is different from the electronic throttle, for the driver in the manual transmission car has to take extra steps for the transmission to be completed effectively. The manual transmission has a shifter and clutch pedal, which the driver can manually use in engaging and disengaging gears and clutch (Universal Technical Institute). In this case, the transmission relies on the pressure plate, clutch, and flywheel to engage and disengage the engine from the transmission. The clutch is placed between the pressure plate and flywheel and connected to the input shaft (Universal Technical Institute). When the clutch is pushed in, it releases pressure and disengages from the engine; thus, it is important to ensure that the clutch is pushed in anytime when making a gear shift.
On the contrary, the systems in an electronic throttle are much more simplified, making driving easy. Instead of using mechanical signals, this model uses electronic signals to control the throttle of a locomotive. Thus, when the acceleration pedal is pressed in, it triggers the pedal module; thus, the pressure applied to the pedal is converted into electric signals. This signal is transferred to an electronic control unit which considers the pressure input and the surrounding factors and provides efficient throttle for the locomotive (Jerew). The main difference between the modern manual transmission and electronic throttles is that in a manual, the driver has to engage the gear and clutch, while with an electronic throttle, this is done automatically using electric signals.
One of the main advantages of electronic transmission over manual transmission is convenience. In electronic throttle cars, the driver just presses the acceleration pedal and the vehicle moves. In a manual transmission, the driver has to balance the clutch, stick shift, and coordinate gears to drive (Steven). Concerning fuel efficiency, electronic throttle vehicles have been optimized and are more efficient in fuel than manual transmission cars. This is because of the increment of high gears, which enables electronic throttle cars to stay in high gears when moving, hence saving fuel. However, on the contrary, modern manual transmission vehicles offer the driver full control of the vehicle because they determine when to change gears, which is not the case with electronic throttle (Steven). In addition, manual transmission cars are safer to drive than electronic throttle because the shifting of gears requires much attention, which keeps the driver engaged.
Both modern manual transmission and electronic throttle have their differences when it comes to transmission. While the manual transmission relies on the driver to engage gears, the electronic throttle uses electronic signals. In addition, each mode of transmission has its advantages and disadvantages, which differentiate them. However, since the world is becoming more modern, it is expected that there will be more electronic throttle cars than manual transmissions in the future.
Works Cited
Collins, Larry. “The Evolution of Transmissions.”TCT, 2019.
Jerew, Benjamin. “How Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Works.”LiveAbout, 2018.
Steven, S. “Manual vs Automatic Transmission – Advantages and Disadvantages.”Viking Motors, 2018.
Universal Technical Institute. “What Is a Transmission and How Does It Work? | UTI.”UTI Corporate, 2020.