<P> Manual transmissions have generally offered a wider selection of gear ratios . Many vehicles offer a 5 - speed or 6 - speed manual, whereas the automatic option would typically be a 4 - speed . This is generally due to the increased space available inside a manual transmission compared with an automatic, since the latter requires extra components for self - shifting, such as torque converters and pumps . However, automatic transmissions are now adding more speeds as the technology matures . ZF currently manufactures 7 - and 8 - speed automatic transmissions . ZF is also planning a 9 - speed automatic for use in front - wheel drive vehicles . The increased number of gears allows for better use of the engine's power band, resulting in increased fuel economy by staying in the most fuel - efficient part of the power band, or higher performance, thereby remaining closer to the engine's peak power rating . Even with more forward speeds and the potential of designing more forward gears to offer higher speed and / or torque, the manual transmission remains smaller and much more compact than its larger, automatic cousin, as referenced by the 991 Generation of the Porsche 911 and the C7 Chevrolet Corvette, which offer a 7 - speed manual transmission . </P> <P> In contrast to most manual gearboxes, most automatic transmissions have far less effective engine - braking . This means that the engine does not slow the vehicle as effectively when the automatic transmission driver releases the engine speed control . This leads to more usage of the brakes in vehicles with automatic transmissions, bringing shorter brake life . Brakes are also more likely to overheat in hilly or mountainous areas, causing reduced braking ability, brake fade, and the potential for complete failure with the automatic transmission vehicle . </P> <P> Vehicles with a manual transmission can often be push started when the starter motor is not operational, usually due to a low battery . </P> <P> For most people, there is a slight learning curve with a manual transmission, which may be intimidating and unappealing for an inexperienced driver . Because the driver must develop a feel for properly engaging the clutch, an inexperienced driver will often stall the engine . Most drivers can learn how to drive a vehicle with a manual transmission in as little as an hour, although it may take weeks before it becomes "second nature". Additionally, if an inexperienced driver selects an inappropriate gear by mistake, damage to mechanical components and even loss of control can occur if not rectified quickly . Learning clutch / throttle pedal coordination can be made easier by using the clutch pedal only, on a level surface . This will allow the operator to gauge where the "sweet spot" of clutch engagement is . Correct "release speed" of the clutch pedal (slow for smooth, fast for abrupt) will indicate when and where throttle pedal use should occur . </P>

What are three advantages of a manual transmission over an automatic transmission