system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
ELI5: Why do European countries have many more manual cars than the US?
gpt
Not so much now, but traditionally, manuals delivered a more performance from a smaller engine and thus better fuel efficiency.

Fuel is generally much more expensive in Europe (even double the price) so fuel efficiency was important.

In addition manual drive chains tend to be longer lasting and easier to maintain, making them popular especially in eastern Europe where incomes are lower.