The difference between using the machine and buffing by hand is gigantic. The results cannot be compared. I used it on my mountain bike which I have already hand buffed before. This time it came out so amazingly beautiful. It shines like new and the paint is completely reinvigorated. Its always way easier. I think I'll do my car tomorrow even though I recently hand waxed it. Also I noticed all you have to do is put the cleaner wax on and buff it. You don't have to wait for it to dry and then wipe it off. It seems to do that whole process in one pass. So neat.