Everyone feels like they are a better-than-average driver.
The EPA has a standard testing regime, and modern automatic transmissions nearly always score at parity or slightly better than the manual option mounted to the same vehicle.
Interestingly, this is also true for things like 1/4 mile times. "Muscle car" guys hate this, but if you look at the numbers, a modern automatic transmission is both more efficient and more performant than the manual option.
The EPA has a standard testing regime, and modern automatic transmissions nearly always score at parity or slightly better than the manual option mounted to the same vehicle.
Interestingly, this is also true for things like 1/4 mile times. "Muscle car" guys hate this, but if you look at the numbers, a modern automatic transmission is both more efficient and more performant than the manual option.