In a world increasingly dominated by automatics, the manual transmission remains a cherished symbol of driver engagement and pure, unadulterated control. While the number of sports cars offering stick shifts may be dwindling, there are still a few gems out there that cater to those who crave the tactile connection and the visceral thrill of rowing their own gears. Here are some of the best 2020 sports cars with manual transmissions⁚
1. Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Miata is the undisputed king of affordable, engaging driving experiences. Its lightweight chassis, perfectly balanced handling, and rev-happy engine make it a pure joy to drive, and the manual gearbox is a key part of that experience. The Miata’s manual transmission is known for its smooth, precise shifting and its short throw, making it a delight to use.
2. Subaru BRZ / Toyota 86
Sharing the same platform and powertrain, the Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 are two of the most affordable rear-wheel-drive sports cars on the market. They offer a similar driving experience to the Miata, with a focus on nimble handling and a fun-to-drive attitude. The manual transmission is well-matched to the engine, providing a smooth and engaging shift experience.
3. Ford Mustang
The Ford Mustang is an American icon, and the manual transmission remains a core part of its appeal. While the Mustang offers a variety of engines, the base V8 is particularly well-suited to the manual gearbox. The Mustang’s manual transmission is known for its robust feel and its ability to handle the power of the V8 engine.
4. Chevrolet Camaro
The Chevrolet Camaro is the Mustang’s arch-rival, and it also offers a manual transmission option. The Camaro’s manual transmission is similar to the Mustang’s in terms of its robustness and its ability to handle the power of the available V8 engine. The Camaro’s manual transmission is known for its smooth and precise shifting.
5. Honda Civic Type R
The Honda Civic Type R is a hot hatch that punches well above its weight class. Its powerful turbocharged engine and its aggressive handling make it a true track weapon, and the manual transmission is a key part of its appeal. The Civic Type R’s manual transmission is known for its short throw and its precise shifting, making it a true joy to use.
6. Porsche 718 Cayman
The Porsche 718 Cayman is a mid-engine sports car that offers a truly engaging driving experience. Its sharp handling, powerful engine, and well-balanced chassis make it a true driver’s car, and the manual transmission is a key part of that experience. The Cayman’s manual transmission is known for its smooth and precise shifting and its short throw, making it a delight to use.
7; BMW M2 Competition
The BMW M2 Competition is a compact performance car that packs a punch. Its powerful engine, aggressive handling, and well-balanced chassis make it a true track weapon, and the manual transmission is a key part of its appeal. The M2 Competition’s manual transmission is known for its smooth and precise shifting and its short throw, making it a delight to use.
8. Audi TT RS
The Audi TT RS is a stylish coupe that offers a thrilling driving experience. Its powerful turbocharged engine, aggressive handling, and well-balanced chassis make it a true track weapon, and the manual transmission is a key part of its appeal. The TT RS’s manual transmission is known for its smooth and precise shifting and its short throw, making it a delight to use.
9. Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
The Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio is an Italian sports sedan that offers a truly engaging driving experience. Its powerful engine, aggressive handling, and well-balanced chassis make it a true driver’s car, and the manual transmission is a key part of that experience. The Giulia Quadrifoglio’s manual transmission is known for its smooth and precise shifting and its short throw, making it a delight to use.
10. Nissan 370Z
The Nissan 370Z is a classic Japanese sports car that continues to offer a thrilling driving experience. Its powerful V6 engine, rear-wheel drive layout, and well-balanced chassis make it a true driver’s car, and the manual transmission is a key part of that experience. The 370Z’s manual transmission is known for its smooth and precise shifting and its short throw, making it a delight to use.
The manual transmission is a dying breed, but it’s still alive and well in the world of sports cars. If you’re looking for a truly engaging driving experience, then a sports car with a manual transmission is the way to go. These cars offer a connection to the driving experience that simply can’t be replicated by an automatic transmission.