What is the basic difference between a manual and an automatic transmission?

The core difference is control: a manual transmission requires the driver to press a clutch pedal and shift gears manually, while an automatic transmission shifts gears on its own without any clutch input.

Which is better for fuel economy, manual or automatic?

Modern automatics often match or beat manuals in fuel economy because they have more gears and shift faster than a human, although older automatic designs were generally less efficient than their manual counterparts.

Is a manual transmission cheaper to maintain than an automatic?

Yes, a manual is typically cheaper to maintain because its simpler clutch and gear mechanism has fewer complex parts and requires less expensive repairs than a modern automatic transmission.

Is driving an automatic safer than driving a manual?

An automatic can be safer for new drivers because it removes the distraction of clutch and gear coordination, but a manual offers more engine braking control which can be safer in slippery conditions.

Are manual and automatic transmissions interchangeable in the same car?

No, they are not directly interchangeable because a manual and automatic require different engine computers, driveshafts, and physical mounting points that are specific to each transmission type.

Can I switch from driving an automatic to a manual car easily?

You can switch, but it requires dedicated practice because you must learn clutch control and gear selection, which are entirely new motor skills that take time to master smoothly.

What is a common beginner mistake when driving a manual transmission?

The most common beginner mistake is stalling the engine by releasing the clutch too quickly without giving enough gas, which causes the car to jerk and shut off.

Which transmission type is better for towing heavy loads?

A manual is often better for towing because it lets you hold a lower gear to keep engine RPMs high, although modern automatics with tow modes now provide comparable control and cooling.

What is the main cost difference between buying a manual and an automatic car?

An automatic car usually costs more upfront because the transmission is more complex to build, while a manual is typically a cheaper option on the same model.

Does an automatic transmission require a clutch pedal like a manual does?

No, an automatic does not have a clutch pedal because it uses a torque converter and internal clutches to change gears automatically, leaving the driver with only two pedals.

Difference Between

Difference Between Manual and Automatic

Written byNex Virox Team

Editorial Team

Reviewed byVarshal Nirbhavane

Senior SEO & Organic Growth Professional · 5+ years

Published: August 27, 202619 min read

Quick answer

The main difference between Manual and Automatic is that Manual requires human control and decision-making for every operation, while Automatic operates independently using programmed logic or sensors. Manual is human-operated, step-by-step control, while Automatic is self-regulating, hands-free operation.

Key takeaways

Core distinction: Manual requires driver-controlled gear shifts; automatic changes gears independently without driver input.
How each works: Manual uses clutch pedal and gear stick; automatic uses torque converter or dual-clutch system.
Cost and efficiency: Manual typically costs less upfront and often achieves better fuel economy than traditional automatic transmissions.
Best-fit use case: Choose manual for driving engagement and control; choose automatic for stop-and-go city traffic convenience.
Common decision mistake: Buyers often ignore resale demand, which increasingly favors automatics in most mainstream car markets.

Table of Contents18 sections

Difference Between Manual and Automatic: Comparison Table

Aspect	Manual	Automatic
Definition	Requires the operator to shift gears by hand using a clutch pedal and gear lever.	Shifts gears on its own using a torque converter or dual-clutch system.
Core Purpose	Gives the driver full control over gear selection, engine RPM, and power delivery.	Prioritises convenience and ease of use by removing gear-shifting decisions from the driver.
Primary Mechanism	Uses a mechanical clutch that physically disconnects the engine from the gearbox.	Uses hydraulic torque converters, planetary gearsets, or electronic clutches to shift.
Driver Input	Requires three pedals: clutch, brake, and accelerator, plus a gear lever.	Uses only two pedals, brake and accelerator, with a P-R-N-D selector or paddles.
Learning Curve	Takes weeks of practice to master hill starts, clutch control, and smooth shifting.	Most drivers learn the basics in under an hour without stalling risk.
Gear Count	Typically offers 5 or 6 forward gears in modern passenger cars.	Often provides 6 to 10 gears, with some CVTs offering effectively infinite ratios.
Shifting Speed	A skilled driver shifts in roughly 0.5 seconds per gear change.	Dual-clutch automatics shift in about 0.2 seconds, faster than any human.
Fuel Economy	Older manuals beat older automatics, but modern automatics often match or exceed them.	Modern 8-10 speed units and CVTs frequently achieve superior highway fuel economy.
Acceleration	Depends heavily on driver skill to avoid bogging down or missing shift points.	Delivers consistent, repeatable launches with launch control on performance models.
Engine Braking	Downshifting provides strong, immediate engine braking for descents and corners.	Manual mode or paddle shifters are needed to access comparable engine braking.
Weight	Adds roughly 20-30 kg compared to a comparable automatic gearbox.	Heavier due to torque converters, valve bodies, and additional planetary gearsets.
Mechanical Complexity	Uses a simpler design with fewer moving parts and no electronic shift solenoids.	Contains hundreds of precision parts, sensors, and electronic control modules.
Purchase Cost	Typically costs $1,000 to $2,000 less than the same car with an automatic.	Adds a significant price premium at purchase, often $1,500 or more.
Maintenance Cost	Clutch replacement every 80,000-160,000 km is the main recurring expense.	Fluid changes cost more, and major repairs can exceed $3,000 when failures occur.
Repair Complexity	Most independent mechanics can rebuild a manual gearbox with basic tools.	Often requires specialised diagnostic equipment and trained transmission technicians.
Longevity	With proper clutch use, manuals frequently exceed 300,000 km without major work.	Modern automatics last 200,000-300,000 km, but failures are costlier to fix.
Durability	Hard launches and riding the clutch accelerate wear on friction plates and flywheel.	Overheating from towing or repeated hard use can damage internal clutches permanently.
Reliability	Fewer electronic components mean fewer unexpected electrical failures over time.	More sensors and solenoids create more potential failure points in the system.
Driver Fatigue	Stop-and-go traffic demands constant clutch and gear work, tiring the left leg.	Eliminates clutch work entirely, reducing physical fatigue in congested commutes.
Traffic Performance	Requires constant clutch modulation and first-gear crawling in heavy congestion.	Creeps forward smoothly at idle speed with zero pedal input in stop-and-go traffic.
Towing Capacity	Gear selection allows precise torque control, but clutch slip risks overheating when towing.	Modern automatics handle heavy towing better due to torque multiplication and cooling systems.
Off-Road Ability	Gives precise low-speed control over obstacles using clutch feathering and engine braking.	Offers crawl control and hill-descent systems that manage wheel slip automatically.
Resale Value	Holds value well in enthusiast markets but appeals to a shrinking buyer pool.	Commands higher resale prices because most used-car buyers demand automatics.
Availability	Found on roughly 20% of new cars sold in the US, mostly sports and economy models.	Equips over 95% of new vehicles sold in North America and most of Asia.
Market Trend	Production is declining as automakers phase out manual options for EVs and hybrids.	Dominates nearly every new vehicle segment, including trucks, SUVs, and EVs.
Driver Engagement	Provides tactile feedback through the clutch pedal and gear lever for active involvement.	Creates a detached experience where the car handles all drivetrain decisions.
Performance Control	Allows the driver to hold gears to the redline for maximum power in corners.	Sport modes and paddles mimic this, but the computer still intervenes at limits.
Typical Users	Enthusiasts, driving instructors, budget buyers, and commercial fleet operators.	Commuters, new drivers, elderly drivers, and anyone prioritising convenience.
Key Limitation	Steep learning curve and physical effort make it impractical for many urban drivers.	Higher repair costs and reduced driver involvement are its main drawbacks.
Best-Fit Scenario	Ideal for twisty back roads, track days, and drivers who value total control.	Best for daily commuting, long highway trips, and drivers wanting effortless operation.

What Is Manual?

Manual is a human-operated process or device that requires direct physical effort and conscious control. It exists to give users complete authority over an operation, removing reliance on automated systems. Manual methods provide predictable, hands-on functionality when precision, judgment, or user preference matters most.

Definition of Manual

Manual describes any system, tool, or procedure executed by human action rather than by electronic, mechanical, or software automation. It requires continuous operator input, deliberate decision-making, and physical manipulation to achieve a result. Manual operation offers full transparency because every step is directly initiated and supervised by a person.

Key Characteristics of Manual

Characteristic	What It Means in Practice
Human control	An operator makes every decision and executes each action personally without machine assistance.
Physical effort	Users expend muscular energy or cognitive focus to complete tasks, which can cause fatigue.
Skill dependent	Output quality varies directly with the operator's training, experience, and current concentration level.
Full transparency	Every step is visible and traceable, so users understand exactly how a result was produced.
Direct feedback	Operators feel resistance, texture, or motion immediately, enabling real-time adjustments during work.
No power reliance	Manual tools function without electricity or batteries, making them dependable in remote locations.
Slower throughput	Human pace limits speed, so manual processes generally complete fewer units per hour than automated ones.
Error prone	Fatigue, distraction, or inexperience can introduce mistakes that a machine might not make.
High flexibility	Operators can adapt instantly to unusual situations or changing requirements without reprogramming equipment.
Low initial cost	Manual tools typically cost less upfront than automated machinery because they lack complex components.

Common Examples of Manual

Manual transmission – a gearbox where the driver physically selects gears using a stick shift and clutch pedal.
Manual typewriter – a mechanical writing device where keystrokes directly strike an inked ribbon against paper.
Manual can opener – a handheld crank tool that rotates a cutting wheel around a can lid.
Manual coffee grinder – a hand-cranked burr mill that crushes beans without electrical power.
Manual wheelchair – a chair propelled by the user pushing hand rims attached to the rear wheels.
Manual lawn mower – a reel mower pushed forward, with spinning blades cutting grass via wheel motion.
Manual camera – a film or digital camera where the photographer sets aperture, shutter speed, and focus.
Manual sewing machine – a treadle or hand-crank device where the operator controls stitch formation physically.
Manual pump – a hand-operated piston device used to draw water from wells or inflate tires.
Manual watch – a mechanical timepiece wound by turning the crown, storing energy in a mainspring.

Advantages and Limitations of Manual

Advantages	Limitations
Complete operator control allows instant adaptation to unexpected conditions or unique task requirements.	Physical fatigue sets in quickly during repetitive work, reducing consistency and increasing injury risk.
No dependency on power sources makes manual tools usable during outages or in undeveloped areas.	Production speed is strictly limited by human endurance, making large-scale output impractical.
Lower purchase price and minimal maintenance costs make manual equipment accessible to budget-constrained users.	Higher long-term labor costs accumulate because every unit produced requires paid human hours.
Operator skill directly improves output quality, allowing expert users to achieve superior craftsmanship.	Results vary between users and even within one user's day, so consistency is hard to guarantee.
Quiet operation with zero emissions suits indoor, noise-sensitive, or environmentally regulated environments.	Human error causes defects, wasted materials, and safety incidents that automated systems might prevent.
Users build deep understanding of the underlying process, improving troubleshooting and maintenance skills.	Training time is significant because proficiency demands practice, coaching, and repeated trial and error.
Immediate tactile feedback lets operators detect problems early and correct them before damage occurs.	Complex tasks overwhelm human capacity, especially when multitasking or processing many variables simultaneously.
Simple construction means fewer parts to break, and repairs are often possible with basic hand tools.	Manual methods cannot scale to meet high-volume demand without adding proportional numbers of workers.
Full user involvement provides a satisfying sense of accomplishment and personal connection to the work.	Physical strain from lifting, cranking, or pushing can cause chronic injuries like tendinitis or back pain.
No software updates or programming knowledge needed, so operation remains straightforward and predictable.	Manual systems lack data logging, remote monitoring, and integration with modern digital workflows.

What Is Automatic?

Automatic is a system that performs tasks without continuous human input. It uses sensors, timers, or programmed logic to self-regulate its operation. Automatic exists to reduce human effort, eliminate repetitive manual steps, and maintain consistent output with minimal supervision.

Definition of Automatic

Automatic refers to a process or device that operates independently through internal mechanisms, responding to predetermined conditions or feedback loops. It requires no ongoing human intervention during normal functioning. The system initiates, controls, and terminates its actions based on built-in rules rather than direct operator commands.

Key Characteristics of Automatic

Characteristic	What It Means in Practice
Self-regulating	Adjusts its own output based on sensor feedback without waiting for a person to intervene.
Programmed logic	Follows pre-set instructions or algorithms to decide the correct action in each situation.
Sensor-driven	Uses inputs like temperature, light, or pressure to trigger responses automatically.
Consistent output	Produces the same result every cycle, removing human variability from the process.
Reduced intervention	Requires only setup, monitoring, or maintenance rather than constant hands-on operation.
Error detection	Identifies faults or deviations and can alert users or shut down safely.
Time-controlled	Starts or stops actions according to a clock or timer without external prompting.
Complex coordination	Manages multiple simultaneous actions or components that would overwhelm a human operator.
Energy efficiency	Shuts off or reduces power when the task is complete, saving resources.
Predictable behaviour	Follows the same rules every time, making outcomes reliable and repeatable.

Common Examples of Automatic

Automatic transmission – shifts gears based on speed and throttle input, removing the clutch pedal.
Thermostat – turns heating or cooling on and off to hold a set room temperature.
Automatic sprinkler system – waters a lawn on a programmed schedule without manual switching.
Automatic door – opens via motion sensors when a person approaches the entrance.
Washing machine – fills, washes, rinses, and spins through a set cycle with one start command.
Cruise control – maintains a chosen vehicle speed without the driver pressing the accelerator.
Automatic coffee maker – brews at a preset time each morning without user action.
Automatic bill payment – deducts recurring charges from a bank account on the due date.
Automatic backup – copies files to cloud storage at scheduled intervals without prompting.
Automatic street light – switches on at dusk and off at dawn using a light sensor.

Advantages and Limitations of Automatic

Advantages	Limitations
Frees human attention for higher-level decisions instead of repetitive monitoring.	Fails completely during power outages or component malfunctions with no manual fallback.
Operates faster than human reaction time, especially in high-speed production lines.	Requires expensive upfront installation, programming, and specialised hardware.
Delivers identical quality on every cycle, eliminating fatigue-related errors.	Cannot handle unexpected situations that fall outside its programmed rules.
Runs continuously for 24 hours without breaks, shifts, or rest periods.	Needs skilled technicians to diagnose and repair complex internal faults.
Reduces long-term labour costs by replacing routine manual work.	Removes jobs, creating economic disruption for workers with manual skills.
Monitors conditions constantly and responds faster than a human can observe.	Gives false confidence; users may ignore warning signs because the system appears fine.
Improves safety by removing people from hazardous or toxic environments.	Can amplify a single programming error across thousands of operations before detection.
Collects operational data automatically for performance analysis and optimisation.	Consumes standby power even when idle, adding hidden energy costs.
Performs precise adjustments that human hands cannot achieve consistently.	Becomes obsolete quickly as software updates and new standards emerge.
Scales easily by replicating the same automated setup across multiple locations.	Lacks judgement; it will follow a bad instruction exactly rather than question it.

Similarities Between Manual and Automatic

Shared Aspect	How Manual and Automatic Are Alike
Core Purpose	Both manual and automatic systems exist to complete a defined task with predictable, repeatable results.
Primary Category	Manual and automatic are both operational modes that control how a specific process or machine functions.
Input Requirement	Both manual and automatic processes require a defined input signal or command to begin their operation.
Output Delivery	Manual and automatic systems both produce a tangible output that fulfills the intended function of the equipment.
End Users	Both manual and automatic controls are operated by humans who need to achieve a specific practical outcome.
Skill Needed	Manual and automatic modes both demand that the user understands the machine’s basic functions and safety rules.
Training Time	Both manual and automatic operations require some initial instruction before a user can operate them safely.
Workflow Steps	Manual and automatic processes both follow a logical sequence of steps from start to finish.
Standard Protocols	Both manual and automatic systems operate under established industry standards that define safe performance limits.
Safety Measures	Manual and automatic operations both include emergency stop functions to protect the user and the machinery.
Power Source	Both manual and automatic equipment rely on an external energy source such as electricity, fuel, or battery power.
Control Interface	Manual and automatic systems both use a dashboard or panel that displays status information to the operator.
Error Potential	Both manual and automatic modes can experience failures that require human intervention to diagnose and resolve.
Monitoring Need	Manual and automatic processes both benefit from periodic human oversight to confirm they are running correctly.
Adjustment Capability	Both manual and automatic systems allow the operator to change settings such as speed, temperature, or timing.
Feedback Loop	Manual and automatic operations both use sensory feedback to confirm that the action was completed successfully.
Maintenance Schedule	Both manual and automatic equipment require regular cleaning, lubrication, and part replacement to stay reliable.
Wear Pattern	Manual and automatic components both experience physical wear over time that degrades their performance gradually.
Replacement Parts	Both manual and automatic machines depend on manufacturer-specific spare parts for repairs and continued operation.
Initial Cost	Manual and automatic versions both carry a purchase price that reflects the complexity of their internal components.
Operating Cost	Both manual and automatic systems consume energy and consumables that create a recurring operational expense.
Repair Cost	Manual and automatic equipment both incur service fees when a qualified technician must fix a malfunction.
Risk Factor	Both manual and automatic operations carry a risk of injury or damage if the user ignores safety guidelines.
Quality Measure	Manual and automatic outputs are both judged by the same accuracy, consistency, and finish-quality criteria.
Performance Metric	Both manual and automatic modes are measured by throughput, cycle time, and error rate against a target.
Documentation	Manual and automatic systems both ship with an instruction manual that explains setup and troubleshooting steps.
Regulatory Rule	Both manual and automatic equipment must comply with local safety and emissions regulations before legal use.
Environmental Impact	Manual and automatic processes both generate waste, heat, or emissions that affect their surrounding environment.
Longevity Goal	Both manual and automatic systems are designed to deliver years of service when maintained according to the schedule.
Upgrade Path	Manual and automatic models both offer optional accessories or firmware updates that extend their original capability.

Manual or Automatic: Which Should You Choose?

The deciding variable is your total cost per task. If your time is cheap and your volume is low, Manual wins. If your volume is high or your time is billable, Automatic wins. Measure that one number and the choice becomes obvious.

When to Use Manual

Choose Manual when you have fewer than 10 units per week, a budget under $500, or tasks that change shape every time. Manual also wins for one-off jobs, creative work, and situations where errors cost more than labor. You retain full control with zero setup fees.

When to Use Automatic

Choose Automatic when you process more than 50 units weekly, face repetitive identical steps, or need 24/7 unattended operation. Automatic wins for high-volume scaling, consistent output quality, and long-term cost reduction. The break-even point is typically 3 to 6 months of continuous use.

Common Misconceptions About Manual and Automatic

Common Myth	The Reality
Manual always gets better fuel economy than automatic.	Modern automatics with 8-10 gears often match or beat manual fuel economy in real-world highway driving.
Automatic transmissions are always more expensive to repair.	A manual clutch replacement can cost as much as an automatic transmission service, depending on the vehicle model.
Manual cars are faster than automatic cars in every situation.	Dual-clutch automatics shift in milliseconds, so they routinely outpace manual versions in zero-to-sixty tests.
You cannot drive an automatic if you learned on a manual.	Drivers trained on a manual adapt to an automatic within minutes because the automatic removes the clutch pedal entirely.
Automatic transmissions have no gears at all.	Automatics use planetary gear sets with multiple ratios, just like manuals, but the system selects them without driver input.
Manual transmissions are completely obsolete in new cars.	Manual remains standard in many sports cars, economy models, and commercial trucks sold worldwide in 2024.
Automatic cars cannot handle towing heavy loads.	Heavy-duty automatics in pickup trucks often have higher tow ratings than their manual counterparts due to torque converter cooling.
Manual transmission fluid never needs changing.	Manual gearboxes still require periodic fluid replacement, typically every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, to prevent wear.
Automatic transmission means the driver has zero control.	Most automatics offer manual shift modes, paddle shifters, or low-gear selections for engine braking and hills.
Manual cars are always cheaper to buy new.	Some manufacturers now charge a premium for manual options because they are built in lower volumes for enthusiasts.
Automatic transmissions overheat easily in stop-and-go traffic.	Modern automatics use dedicated transmission coolers and thermal management to handle city driving without overheating.
Learning to drive a manual takes months of practice.	Most beginners master basic manual starts and shifts within a few hours of focused practice on flat ground.
Automatic cars cannot be push-started when the battery dies.	Most automatics cannot be push-started, but they can be jump-started with cables just like any manual vehicle.
Manual transmissions give you better control off-road.	Automatic off-roaders provide smoother low-speed torque and hill descent control that many drivers find superior on trails.
Automatic transmissions last only 100,000 miles before failing.	Well-maintained automatics routinely exceed 200,000 miles, especially with regular fluid and filter service intervals.
Manual cars are impossible to drive in heavy traffic.	Manual drivers manage congestion daily, though automatics reduce left-leg fatigue with torque converter creep and auto-hold features.
Automatic transmissions make engine braking impossible.	Automatics allow engine braking via lower gear selections, manual modes, or tow-haul settings on many modern vehicles.
Manual transmissions are always lighter than automatics.	Some manual gearboxes weigh more than compact automatics, so weight differences vary significantly by design and model.
Automatic cars are only for elderly or disabled drivers.	Automatics dominate new car sales globally across all age groups, including performance models and commercial fleets.
Manual transmission fluid and engine oil are the same thing.	Manual gearboxes use specific gear oil or ATF, which has different viscosity and additives than engine motor oil.
Automatic transmissions require no maintenance at all.	Automatics need fluid changes every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, plus filter replacements, to prevent premature failure.
Manual cars hold their resale value better than automatics.	Automatic-equipped used cars often sell faster and retain value better in most mainstream markets due to broader buyer appeal.
Automatic transmissions are too complex for any home mechanic to service.	Basic automatic services like fluid and filter changes are DIY-friendly, though internal rebuilds require specialist tools and training.
Manual driving gives you better fuel control than any automatic.	Automatic transmissions with adaptive shift logic often optimize gear selection more efficiently than the average manual driver.
Automatic cars cannot be used for performance driving.	Many track-focused supercars and sports sedans now offer automatic-only options because they shift faster than human drivers.
Manual transmissions are always more reliable than automatics.	Manual clutches wear out with aggressive driving, while modern automatics with proper maintenance show comparable reliability rates.
Automatic transmissions only exist in cars, not trucks.	Automatic transmissions are standard in most heavy-duty semi-trucks and commercial vehicles built after 2020.
Manual cars require you to use the handbrake on every hill start.	Hill start assist and clutch hold features on many manual cars prevent rollback without using the parking brake at all.
Automatic transmissions make the engine idle at a higher speed.	Automatics idle at normal engine speeds, though torque converter load can slightly raise RPM in gear compared to neutral.
Manual and automatic are the only two transmission types available.	CVTs, dual-clutch automatics, and automated manuals offer additional options that blend characteristics of both manual and automatic.

Conclusion

Difference Between Manual and Automatic comes down to control versus convenience. Manual gives drivers direct gear engagement and greater vehicle command, ideal for enthusiasts or budget buyers. Automatic delivers effortless shifting and smoother stop-and-go driving, perfect for commuters. Choose manual for engagement; choose automatic for ease.

FAQs on Difference Between Manual and Automatic

What is the basic difference between a manual and an automatic transmission?: The core difference is control: a manual transmission requires the driver to press a clutch pedal and shift gears manually, while an automatic transmission shifts gears on its own without any clutch input.
Which is better for fuel economy, manual or automatic?: Modern automatics often match or beat manuals in fuel economy because they have more gears and shift faster than a human, although older automatic designs were generally less efficient than their manual counterparts.
Is a manual transmission cheaper to maintain than an automatic?: Yes, a manual is typically cheaper to maintain because its simpler clutch and gear mechanism has fewer complex parts and requires less expensive repairs than a modern automatic transmission.
Is driving an automatic safer than driving a manual?: An automatic can be safer for new drivers because it removes the distraction of clutch and gear coordination, but a manual offers more engine braking control which can be safer in slippery conditions.
Are manual and automatic transmissions interchangeable in the same car?: No, they are not directly interchangeable because a manual and automatic require different engine computers, driveshafts, and physical mounting points that are specific to each transmission type.
Can I switch from driving an automatic to a manual car easily?: You can switch, but it requires dedicated practice because you must learn clutch control and gear selection, which are entirely new motor skills that take time to master smoothly.
What is a common beginner mistake when driving a manual transmission?: The most common beginner mistake is stalling the engine by releasing the clutch too quickly without giving enough gas, which causes the car to jerk and shut off.
Which transmission type is better for towing heavy loads?: A manual is often better for towing because it lets you hold a lower gear to keep engine RPMs high, although modern automatics with tow modes now provide comparable control and cooling.
What is the main cost difference between buying a manual and an automatic car?: An automatic car usually costs more upfront because the transmission is more complex to build, while a manual is typically a cheaper option on the same model.
Does an automatic transmission require a clutch pedal like a manual does?: No, an automatic does not have a clutch pedal because it uses a torque converter and internal clutches to change gears automatically, leaving the driver with only two pedals.