| Electric drive | Mechanical drive |
|---|---|
| electric drive is dependent of electric supply, electric traction system is tried up to electrified routes only. | It is self-contained unit and therefore can be suitable for any track. |
| In case of failure of supply the whole system will come to rest as it is dependent of electric supply. | The system is self contained there is no such condition. |
| electric drive is more clean as there are burning of any fuel and no fumes etc. | mechanical drive requires burning of therefore it may contains ash or fumes etc. |
| electric drive is flexible as it can be brought any where and can be control from any location. | due to mechanical components this drive is not flexible. |
| It occupies less space as compared to other forms of drives and is , therefore very compact source of drive. | due to mechanical components this drive required more space. |
| motor operating characteristics can easily be modified as per the requirement of the drive. | It is very difficult to modify the characteristics of the mechanical drive. |
| maintenance cost is less due to less no. of mechanical parts. | maintenance cost is more due to more no. of mechanical parts. |
| electric braking much superior and economical. | mechanical breaking system has few disadvantages like were & tear of parts etc. |
