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Most people understand the difference between automatic transmission and manual transmission cars, but have you ever wondered how cars with semi-automatic transmissions fit into the equation? Well, wonder no more because this article will take you through all the differences between automatic and semi-automatic gearboxes as well as the comparison of a semi-automatic car vs automatic.
Cars with a fully automatic transmission are certainly the more popular of the two, but there is still a market for semi-automatic gearboxes. You’ll learn why people even buy cars with a semi-automatic transmission and hopefully figure out which is best for you regarding the ‘semi-automatic vs automatic car’ debate.
Table Of Contents
What Is The Difference Between A Semi-Automatic And An Automatic Car?
The main difference between a semi-automatic and an automatic car is that with a fully automatic transmission, the gear selection is made by the car’s computer, while with semi-automatic transmission, the driver is required to manually change gear.
However, unlike cars with a manual transmission, those with a semi-automatic transmission do not have a clutch pedal as this part is taken care of electronically. Find out more about manual vs fully automatic gearboxes.
So how do automatic cars work in the first place? In cars with automatic gearboxes, sensors link to a computer that monitors the engine’s torque, and the gear changes accordingly. On the other hand, in cars with a semi-automatic gearbox, the driver must decide when to move into the next gear – but the removal of the clutch function makes this a lot easier.
Some new cars offer the choice to drive in automatic or semi-automatic mode, including the Volkswagen Group’s DSG, the Ford PowerShift and the BMW DCT.
Cars with a semi-automatic transmission vary in their techniques for changing gears. Some have a ‘+’ and ‘–‘ to suggest gearing up and down next to the traditional PRND. However, it’s becoming much more common to provide paddle shifters on the steering column.
For car nerds out there, there is a more detailed explanation on what is a semi-automatic car.
Semi-Automatic Car Vs Automatic Car: Pros & Cons
Both semi-automatics and automatic cars have their pros and cons, with the first ones prevailing as both types offer a range of commodities.
Semi-Automatic Car
Semi-automatics have three major pros and one disadvantage as well as one possible problem.
Pros
- The driver has control over what gear to be in, which is enjoyable for people to whom driving is a hobby and a skill they want to improve.
- Sports car drivers often favour them as skilful drivers can shift between gears quickly and smoothly.
- Semi-automatic vehicles with Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) allow for super fast gear shifts as the next gear begins to engage as the first disengages.
Cons
- Requires the driver to change gears themselves, making driving more complex than in fully automatic cars.
- Semi-automatic vehicles are rare these days, so finding parts can be tricky and the cars themselves are pricier too, simply due to their rarity.
Automatic Car
We listed four main benefits of automatics and two things people could have a problem with.
Pros
- Gear changes are taken care of by the car, so the driver doesn’t have to think about changing gear.
- More and more cars these days feature an automatic transmission, so it is usually easy to find parts and knowledgeable mechanics.
- They tend to have better gear ratios, which makes them more fuel efficient because they use less fuel when driving at lower speeds.
- Hill starts are easier with an automatic transmission as it is almost impossible to roll the car.
Cons
- The car may not smoothly change gear after sudden changes in speed such as heavy braking or fast acceleration.
- Some people find them boring to drive as they don’t provide the enjoyment of shifting through gears.
Who Should Choose A (Semi)Automatic Car Over The Other Type?
You should choose a semi-automatic car if you like to have control over the gears. Semi-auto cars are essentially for hobby drivers who drive for the enjoyment and skill of it, not just to get from A to B. If this sounds great to you, then check out the Fiat 500, Volkswagen Polo, Toyota C-HR and BMW M4.
On the other hand, you should choose an automatic car if you want the easiest driving experience. Most cars these days are fully automatic, so you’ll have many more options, including the BMW 3 Series, Porsche 911, Mercedes S-Class, Toyota Corolla, Renault Clio and many more.
Tip: If driving is something you do simply for transport, there is little to no reason to choose semi-automatic gearboxes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does A Semi-Automatic Mean On A Car?
Semi-automatic on a car means that the car has a manual gear shift but no clutch. It is essentially halfway between a manual and a fully automatic car, as the driver must still shift between gears, but this process is much simpler as there is no manual clutch to engage.
What Is The Point Of Semi-Automatic Cars?
The point of semi-automatic cars is to offer drivers more control over changing gear in their cars while making it as simple as possible. It makes it possible to brake or accelerate quickly if the driver is skilful enough. As such, a semi-auto gearbox appeals to drivers who consider driving a hobby to enjoy and a skill they like to work on rather than simply a means of transportation.
Which One Is Better: A Semi-Automatic Or An Automatic Car?
An automatic car is better for most people because it is a lot easier to drive and doesn’t require you to think about changing gear at all. Fully automatic cars are also cheaper to maintain and more fuel efficient than those with a semi-automatic transmission.
However, a semi-automatic is better for you if you experience enjoyment from shifting through gears. If you fancy yourself an amateur pro driver, this could be the car for you!
What Are Semi-Automatic Car Problems?
Semi-automatic car problems include a grinding sensation when changing gear, a delayed response when you switch gears or a whining, humming noise when the car is in neutral. The first problem is probably due to transmission damage, while the second could be an issue with the transmission fluid. Noise could simply mean you need a top-up of transmission fluid, but it could be a more serious problem, such as a faulty gearbox part.
Can You Drive A Semi-Automatic As An Automatic?
You cannot drive a semi-automatic as an automatic as a general rule. Most fully automatic and semi-automatic cars are either one or the other, and semi-automatic gearboxes do not include the sensors required for automatic gear changes. However, there are a few dual-functionality cars out there, like the Volkswagen Group’s DSG and the Ford PowerShift.
Conclusion
To sum up, the key difference between automatic and semi-automatic transmissions is that in fully automatic gearboxes, the car’s computer is in charge of changing gears, while in semi-automatic transmissions, there is still a manual gearbox. Knowledge is power, so we hope that this article has given you the information you need to decide which is best for you between a semi-automatic car vs automatic one!
