Which type of transmission gets better gas mileage, a standard or automatic?
A standard transmission is generally more fuel efficient that an automatic because the automatic needs a pump to produce pressure for the unit to work. The pump takes some of the power from the engine to run. Also, the automatic uses a torque converter to transmit power from the engine into the transmission, and is a fluid coupling and therefore does not transfer 100% of the power mechanically as a clutch in a standard will. Later model automatics have a lock up torque converter that will provide a mechanical connection with the engine, but not in reverse and only in the gears above 1st. Of course, driver technique will also play an important part in fuel economy.
