In a world increasingly dominated by automatics, the manual transmission remains a cherished symbol of driver engagement․ For those who crave the visceral connection of shifting gears, the thrill of heel-toe downshifts, and the pure joy of controlling the car’s power, the manual gearbox is a must-have․ And when combined with a high-performance engine, the experience becomes truly exhilarating․
This list highlights 10 of the best performance cars currently available that offer over 300 horsepower and the option of a manual transmission⁚
1․ Subaru WRX STI
The Subaru WRX STI is a legend in the world of rally-bred performance cars․ Its 2․5-liter turbocharged boxer engine delivers 310 horsepower and 290 lb-ft of torque, while its legendary symmetrical all-wheel drive system and six-speed manual transmission provide exceptional handling and grip․
2․ Ford Mustang GT
The Ford Mustang GT is an American icon, and its 5․0-liter V8 engine with 460 horsepower is a true muscle car classic․ The six-speed manual transmission offers a direct and engaging driving experience, making the Mustang GT a true performance bargain․
3․ Chevrolet Camaro SS
The Chevrolet Camaro SS is a worthy rival to the Mustang GT․ Its 6․2-liter V8 engine produces 455 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque, while its six-speed manual transmission provides a smooth and precise shifting experience․
4․ Honda Civic Type R
The Honda Civic Type R is a hot hatch with a serious performance pedigree․ Its 2․0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers 306 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, while its six-speed manual transmission and limited-slip differential deliver exceptional handling and grip․
5․ Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a roadster legend, known for its nimble handling and pure driving pleasure․ Its 2․0-liter four-cylinder engine produces 181 horsepower, while its six-speed manual transmission provides a smooth and engaging driving experience․
6․ Toyota GR Supra
The Toyota GR Supra is a modern sports car with a rich heritage․ Its 3․0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine produces 382 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, while its eight-speed automatic transmission offers a smooth and responsive experience․
7․ Porsche 718 Cayman
The Porsche 718 Cayman is a mid-engine sports car with exceptional handling and performance․ Its 2․0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 300 horsepower, while its six-speed manual transmission provides a pure and engaging driving experience․
8․ BMW M2 Competition
The BMW M2 Competition is a compact performance coupe that offers a thrilling driving experience․ Its 3․0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine produces 405 horsepower, while its six-speed manual transmission provides a precise and responsive shifting experience;
9․ Nissan 370Z
The Nissan 370Z is a sports car with a classic Japanese feel․ Its 3․7-liter V6 engine produces 332 horsepower, while its six-speed manual transmission provides a smooth and engaging driving experience․
10․ Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
The Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio is a true Italian performance masterpiece․ Its 2․9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine produces 505 horsepower, while its six-speed manual transmission provides a thrilling and engaging driving experience․
These are just a few of the many great performance cars that offer a manual transmission․ Whether you’re looking for a classic muscle car, a nimble sports car, or a high-performance hot hatch, there’s a manual transmission car out there for you․