The twenty Best Cars That Still Suggest a Manual Transmission
For those who like to do the shifting themselves.
The manual transmission is on the endangered species list. Every year fewer and fewer cars are suggested with a clutch and a shifter. Why? Americans just don’t want to be bothered with the chore of working a clutch with their left foot and shifting with their right. And sports car manufacturers are the worst offenders when it comes to quitting on the stick shift. Because the newest computer-controlled automatics can shift more quickly than any human can, engineers see the manual transmission as outdated.
We disagree. Shifting a manual transmission is not only more engaging and joy than flicking some dainty little paddles, it also requires more skill and makes the driver a better one. Some carmakers still see the beauty of the manual transmission. Here are twenty of the greatest driver’s machines that still do.
one 2016 Mazda Miata
Since the summer of 1989, the Mazda MX-5 Miata has been thrilling sports car fans with its featherweight rear-drive chassis and drop-top fun-in-the-sun persona. The Miata’s responsive treating drew buyers by the ems of thousands to Mazda stores, as did a dollop of 1960s British roadster aesthetic. But it’s no open up to say that Mazda’s brilliant five-speed manual transmission was one of the most significant lumps of the puzzle. The stubby little shifter was so effortless that it moved with just a modest flick of the wrist. The second-generation Miata of one thousand nine hundred ninety nine got one more gear for 10th anniversary models, but the six-speed was optional—five-speed remained standard well into the third generation.
The Miata’s sports car formula has lasted for more than a quarter century. The all-new two thousand sixteen model (read our test drive here) not only retains the easy-shifting and precise 6-speed manual transmission, but also elevates the entire Miata practice. It’s still one of the best manual transmissions available on any car at any price.
Base Price: $24,915
two 2016 Subaru BRZ (and Scion FR-S)
Reasonably priced sports cars are infrequent these days. The Subaru BRZ and its twin, the Scion FR-S, both begin at just over $25,000 and suggest an engaging drive. Like the Miata, they are lightweight (around two thousand eight hundred pounds) and rear-wheel drive. These twins pack 200-hp four-cylinder engines and come standard with a six-speed manual (automatic is optional).
Of course, the engineers were tempted to design a stronger and more expensive twin-clutch, paddle-shift transmission instead of a manual. But we’re sure glad they didn’t. Subaru dreamed to provide the same level of driving involvement as a Porsche Cayman, and after logging hours on canyon roads in a BRZ, we can confidently say this is one pleasurable rail.