For driving enthusiasts‚ there’s nothing quite like the visceral connection and control a manual transmission offers․ It’s a dying breed‚ but luckily‚ there are still some fantastic options available in 2023․ Here are ten of the best standard transmission cars that will satisfy your need for speed and engagement⁚
1․ Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Miata is the undisputed king of affordable‚ fun-to-drive roadsters․ Its lightweight chassis‚ perfectly balanced handling‚ and rev-happy engine make it a joy to drive on any road․ The available six-speed manual transmission is smooth‚ precise‚ and a delight to shift․
2․ Subaru WRX
The WRX is a rally-inspired sports sedan that offers incredible value for its performance․ Its turbocharged four-cylinder engine provides ample power‚ and the six-speed manual transmission allows you to fully exploit its capabilities․ The WRX’s all-wheel drive system adds to its versatility and grip․
3․ Honda Civic Si
The Civic Si is a more refined and sophisticated take on the hot hatch․ Its turbocharged engine is punchy and responsive‚ and the six-speed manual transmission is a pleasure to use․ The Si’s handling is sharp and precise‚ making it a blast to drive on twisty roads․
4․ Toyota GR86
The GR86 is a true sports car that offers exhilarating driving dynamics․ Its naturally aspirated engine is a joy to rev‚ and the six-speed manual transmission is smooth and precise․ The GR86’s lightweight chassis and balanced handling make it a true driver’s car․
5․ Ford Mustang EcoBoost
The Mustang is an American icon‚ and the EcoBoost model offers a great balance of performance and affordability․ Its turbocharged four-cylinder engine provides ample power‚ and the six-speed manual transmission is a joy to use․ The Mustang’s classic styling and muscle car heritage make it a head-turner․
6․ Hyundai Veloster N
The Veloster N is a Korean hot hatch that punches above its weight․ Its turbocharged engine is incredibly powerful‚ and the six-speed manual transmission is precise and engaging․ The Veloster N’s handling is sharp and precise‚ making it a true performance car․
7․ Volkswagen Golf GTI
The Golf GTI is a legendary hot hatch that has been setting the benchmark for decades․ Its turbocharged engine is powerful and efficient‚ and the six-speed manual transmission is a joy to use․ The GTI’s handling is precise and balanced‚ making it a pleasure to drive on any road․
8․ Chevrolet Camaro
The Camaro is another American muscle car that offers a thrilling driving experience․ Its V6 or V8 engine provides ample power‚ and the six-speed manual transmission allows you to fully exploit its capabilities․ The Camaro’s aggressive styling and performance make it a head-turner․
9․ Fiat 124 Spider
The Fiat 124 Spider is a stylish and affordable roadster that offers a fun and engaging driving experience․ Its turbocharged four-cylinder engine is surprisingly powerful‚ and the six-speed manual transmission is smooth and precise․ The 124 Spider’s lightweight chassis and balanced handling make it a joy to drive on winding roads․
10․ Porsche 718 Cayman
The Cayman is a mid-engine sports car that offers a truly exhilarating driving experience․ Its turbocharged four-cylinder engine is powerful and responsive‚ and the six-speed manual transmission is precise and engaging․ The Cayman’s handling is phenomenal‚ and its build quality is top-notch․ While it’s not cheap‚ it’s one of the best driver’s cars available․
This list represents just a few of the many great standard transmission cars available in 2023․ If you’re a driving enthusiast who appreciates the connection and control a manual gearbox offers‚ there’s no better time to get behind the wheel of one of these amazing machines․