I decided to select the 1984 Ford Escort (my dad had a model pretty close to this one at one point). So, I decided to turn back the clock to see what kind of fuel efficiency a manual transmission vehicle back then had over an automatic. Manual Transmission Fuel Savings (in the 80’s)į documents the EPA fuel efficiency comparisons from every make and model going back to 1984. I’ll take a look at the fuel efficiency, MSRP savings, and replacement costs of manual transmission vehicles compared to automatic to determine whether or not buying a manual is still worth it or whether its best to let the stick go the way of the dodo. Fast forward to today, and manual transmission vehicles are going virtually extinct.
