Drag racing is arguably the most popular type of motor racing there is. The goal is to get from point A to point B in a straight line as quickly as possible. Even though it sounds simple on paper, there are very few things that come close to being as fun and as thrilling as drag racing is.
When it comes to being the quickest in drag racing, there are various factors that come into play. Horsepower, vehicle weight, choice of tires, and vehicle layout, are just a few of them. Another is the type of transmission being used.
Automatic vs manual transmission is a debate as old as time. Each transmission has its own advantages and disadvantages, both in regard to how quick they are and how much involvement they require from the driver.
Best Transmission For Drag Racing
Even though it isn't set in stone, as a general rule of thumb, an automatic transmission is the best transmission for drag racing. For starters, you avoid the downtime associated with pressing the clutch yourself and changing gears. Assuming you lose a few hundredths of a second during each shift, that could equate to as much as half a second or even a full second during the entire run.
With an automatic transmission, you don't have to worry about missing a shift either. Because the transmission does everything for you, it will never skip a gear and accidentally go from 2nd to 1st instead of 3rd. This also means that you have more time to focus on applying steady throttle and steering with your hands.
On top of that, automatic transmissions are generally more durable than manual transmissions and can withstand more power and more abuse. There are distinctions to be made when it comes to automatic transmissions though. A DCT transmission is unbelievably quick since it uses two clutches, but is more prone to breaking down. A conventional torque converter is super strong at the expense of slightly slower shifts.
Which Gets More Speed - Automatic or Manual?
Launching a car equipped with an automatic transmission is easier since many race-ready designs already come with a launch control, such as a transbrake. This allows you to hold the transmission until the green light and then let the vehicle launch with the push of a button. Another option is a foot-brake launch, which is the process where you use your left foot to hold the brake and your right foot to apply the accelerator. When you're ready to go, you simply lift your left foot off the brake and the car does everything else for you.
In comparison, launching a manual car is more difficult since you have to be precise with your throttle input and your clutch release. Because of this, and because of the time you lose shifting gears yourself, an automatic transmission is naturally going to be able to get more speed down the drag strip assuming all other components, such as the engine, are equal.
If you’ve ever wondered if automatic is faster than manual, then the answer is usually yes it is, although there are other factors in play that are arguably just as if not more important.
Downsides of Manual
A manual transmission is great if you want to be involved in the driving experience and shift gears yourself. That being said, manual transmissions do have some downsides.
Apart from being slower, as already mentioned, manual transmissions usually require more maintenance because they have more moving parts. Over time, you might need to replace or upgrade your car's clutch and pressure plate, especially if the car is tuned or upgraded to make more power.
If you're looking to transform your car into a dragstrip monster, racing transmissions are the way to go. Designed to withstand more abuse than your stock transmission, they are incredibly quick and reliable. JEGS has racing transmissions and classic car transmissions for your vehicle, whether you're looking to dominate the next dragstrip event or you simply want to use your car as a fun daily driver.
