10 Sports Cars that Still Offer a Manual Gearbox
The auto industry no longer seems to care about driving enthusiasts. Trucks and SUVs are all over the place, electric cars are becoming more and more mainstream, and semi-autonomous driving technologies are slowly but surely taking the fun and freedom out of the simple act of grabbing the steering wheel and hitting the open road.
Fortunately, a certain number of models continue to put driving excitement at the top of their priorities and refuse to go with an automatic transmission only. Here are 10 sports cars that are still available with a good old manual gearbox.
BMW 2 Series / M2
If there’s one automaker that masters the art of driving a car, it has to be BMW. Alas, even the Munich-based company seems to be moving gradually in another direction. The new 3 Series, introduced for 2019, comes with an autobox exclusively and we fear that the next M3 will follow its lead. Luckily, the smallest member in the BMW lineup continues to offer a manual transmission, from the base 2 Series to the 405-horsepower M2 Competition. You might want to hurry, though, because BMW has just announced that the next generation will come with front-wheel drive and we’re not sure if the clutch will survive.
Porsche 718
The Porsche 718 Cayman and Boxster are some of the most accomplished sports cars on the market. In fact, they’re two of The Car Guide’s 2019 Best Buys due to their superb driving dynamics, impressive performance and innovative design. While Porsche’s PDK dual-clutch transmission is by far one of the best in the entire industry, with quicker shifts and better fuel economy than the manual alternative, the folks in Stuttgart understand that nothing can replace the feeling of controlling a sports car with a stick and three pedals.
Subaru BRZ / Toyota 86
Often referred to as a poor man’s Porsche Cayman, the Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 remain a pretty good bargain for performance enthusiasts. Many deplore their lack of power, but with a dynamic boxer-type engine, rear-wheel-drive setup and lightweight construction including near-perfect mass distribution, they’re a real treat on tight and twisty roads. For maximum enjoyment, we naturally recommend the manual gearbox.
Mazda MX-5
Many cars have tried to emulate it over the years, but the fact of the matter is that the Mazda MX-5 will always be the ultimate lightweight roadster. Designed purely to put a smile on the driver’s face, the beloved Miata is expertly conceived yet so simple and surprisingly reliable—proof that sports cars don’t need a big, powerful engine to deliver impressive performance. Every year, it wins over the entire team at The Car Guide and secures one of our Best Buys awards. As far as we’re concerned, even though you can get a Mazda MX-5 with an automatic transmission, the only way to make the most of it is by shifting gears yourself.
Nissan 370Z
Yes, the Nissan 370Z still exists! Essentially unchanged since 2008, the Z is somewhat of a dinosaur in a segment filled with much more modern competitors. The interior is quite dated, outward visibility is almost nonexistent and the V6 engine is nowhere near a model of efficiency. Still, this coupe is quick, agile in corners and fun to drive overall. Reliability has never been an issue, the sound is exquisite and it’s a wonderful starting point for tuners. Oh, and did we mention the available manual gearbox?
Ford Mustang
While the Blue Oval company is eliminating its sedans and hatchbacks to focus on SUVs and pickups, it sure as heck wasn’t going to cut all ties to its past. The Ford Mustang is not just a surprisingly strong seller, but a true automotive icon, too—a legend, if you will. The original pony car may already be turning to the future with the addition of a four-cylinder turbo and, soon, a plug-in hybrid variant, but the classic V8 is still part of the lineup along with a short stick and three perfectly positioned pedals.
Dodge Challenger
Whether you opt for a Dodge Challenger with the 5.7-litre V8 engine rated at 375 horsepower or another blessed with the 485-horsepower 6.4-litre V8, or maybe the latest SRT Hellcat variant and its 717 horsepower, FCA’s modern-day muscle car can be had with a six-speed manual transmission. Surprised? We’re not!
Chevrolet Camaro
Just like the Mustang, the Chevrolet Camaro is arguably a legend on wheels. But in contrast with the famous muscle car it once was, today’s Camaro has become a genuine sports car that can achieve lap times similar to some exotic and more prestigious nameplates. Regardless if you pick the four-cylinder turbo engine or the supercharged V8, a manual gearbox is available for your driving pleasure.
Subaru WRX / WRX STI
While a bit long in the tooth and pretty unruly at times, the Subaru WRX and WRX STI are still loads of fun to drive—some of the few remaining cars out there that are designed to push the driver’s limits and sharpen their reflexes. Born and bred in rallies, with almost no technical changes made over the past decade or so, the Subaru WRX is the rare sports car that can perform both winter and summer. Can you believe that a continuously variable transmission is optional? Thank God, the more powerful WRX STI comes with a manual only. Subaru is sending a clear message; hopefully, others will listen.
Honda Civic Type R
Sure, it’s roughly based on the Honda Civic, but the Civic Type R edges its rivals due to the fact it was initially designed as a race car. The mechanical limited-slip differential, innovative suspension system that reduces understeer and functional aero kit that generates real downforce make it a much more visceral car than the Volkswagen Golf R or even the new Hyundai Veloster N. For Honda, offering an automatic transmission was simply out of the question. The Honda Civic Type R relies exclusively on a manual gearbox, which happens to be one of the best in the business.