Are Manual Transmission Cars Less Likely to Be Stolen?

Introduction

Manual transmission cars have been around for over a century, and they’ve developed a reputation for being more difficult to steal than their automatic counterparts. But is this reputation justified? Are manual transmission cars actually less likely to be stolen?

The Evidence

There is some evidence to support the claim that manual transmission cars are less likely to be stolen. For example, a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that manual transmission cars were stolen at a rate of 0.81 per 1,000 vehicles in 2019, while automatic transmission cars were stolen at a rate of 1.15 per 1,000 vehicles. This suggests that manual transmission cars are about 30% less likely to be stolen than automatic transmission cars.

Another study, by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), found that manual transmission cars were stolen at a rate of 0.43 per 1,000 vehicles in 2018, while automatic transmission cars were stolen at a rate of 0.82 per 1,000 vehicles. This suggests that manual transmission cars are about 50% less likely to be stolen than automatic transmission cars.

The Reasons

There are several reasons why manual transmission cars may be less likely to be stolen. First, manual transmission cars are more difficult to drive than automatic transmission cars. This is especially true for people who are not familiar with driving a manual transmission car. As a result, thieves may be less likely to target manual transmission cars because they know that they will have a harder time driving them away.

Second, manual transmission cars are less valuable than automatic transmission cars. This is because manual transmission cars are less popular than automatic transmission cars. As a result, thieves may be less likely to target manual transmission cars because they know that they will get less money for them if they sell them.

The Conclusion

The evidence suggests that manual transmission cars are less likely to be stolen than automatic transmission cars. This is likely due to the fact that manual transmission cars are more difficult to drive and less valuable than automatic transmission cars. As a result, thieves may be less likely to target manual transmission cars.

Additional Factors

In addition to the evidence presented above, there are a number of other factors that may also contribute to the lower theft rate of manual transmission cars. These factors include:

• Manual transmission cars are often owned by enthusiasts.
  Enthusiasts are typically more knowledgeable about cars and more likely to take steps to protect their vehicles from theft.
• Manual transmission cars are often driven less frequently than automatic transmission cars.
  This means that they are less likely to be in a public place where they could be stolen.
• Manual transmission cars are often parked in more secure locations.
  Enthusiasts are more likely to park their cars in garages or other secure locations.

Implications for Consumers

The lower theft rate of manual transmission cars has a number of implications for consumers. First, it means that consumers who are concerned about theft may want to consider buying a manual transmission car. Second, it means that consumers who own manual transmission cars may want to take additional steps to protect their vehicles from theft.

Consumers who are concerned about theft should consider taking the following steps:

• Park your car in a well-lit area.
• Lock your car doors and windows.
• Install an anti-theft device.
• Be aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious activity to the police.

Conclusion

Manual transmission cars are less likely to be stolen than automatic transmission cars. This is due to a number of factors, including the fact that manual transmission cars are more difficult to drive, less valuable, and often owned by enthusiasts who take steps to protect their vehicles from theft. Consumers who are concerned about theft should consider buying a manual transmission car and taking additional steps to protect their vehicle from theft.