For those who love the pure, unfiltered connection between driver and machine, the manual transmission remains a cherished feature. In a world increasingly dominated by automatic gearboxes, a select group of sports cars continues to offer the thrill of shifting gears manually. Here are 25 thrilling sports cars that keep the spirit of the stick shift alive.
Contents
Porsche 911 Carrera
The Porsche 911 Carrera remains an icon in the world of sports cars, offering a 7-speed manual transmission that enhances the driver’s connection to its powerful rear-engine layout. With a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter flat-six engine producing up to 443 horsepower, the 911 Carrera provides an exhilarating driving experience.
Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is beloved for its lightweight design and balanced handling. Its 6-speed manual transmission pairs perfectly with the 2.0-liter inline-four engine, delivering a spirited 181 horsepower. The Miata’s simplicity and direct driving feel make it a joy on any road.
Chevrolet Camaro SS
The Chevrolet Camaro SS offers a robust 6.2-liter V8 engine with 455 horsepower, paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. This combination provides an intense, visceral driving experience that highlights the Camaro’s muscle car heritage and modern performance.
Ford Mustang GT
The Ford Mustang GT features a 5.0-liter V8 engine producing 450 horsepower, matched with a 6-speed manual transmission. This iconic muscle car delivers raw power and a traditional driving feel, making it a favorite among enthusiasts who love to shift gears.
BMW M2
The BMW M2 is a compact powerhouse with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, offering 405 horsepower. Its precise 6-speed manual transmission ensures a thrilling drive, accentuating the car’s agility and performance-oriented design.
Subaru WRX STI
The Subaru WRX STI boasts a rally-inspired design with a 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-four engine generating 310 horsepower. The 6-speed manual transmission enhances its sporty character, providing drivers with control over its all-wheel-drive system and performance capabilities.
Toyota GR Supra
The Toyota GR Supra has reintroduced a manual transmission option, catering to purists. Its 3.0-liter inline-six engine, producing 382 horsepower, paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox, offers a more engaging driving experience and precise control.
Nissan 370Z
The Nissan 370Z, with its 3.7-liter V6 engine producing 332 horsepower, features a 6-speed manual transmission with SynchroRev Match technology. This combination delivers smooth gear changes and a direct connection to the car’s performance.
Dodge Challenger R/T
The Dodge Challenger R/T packs a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine with 375 horsepower, available with a 6-speed manual transmission. This setup provides a nostalgic muscle car experience with modern performance enhancements.
Lotus Evora GT
The Lotus Evora GT offers a 3.5-liter supercharged V6 engine delivering 416 horsepower, paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. Known for its lightweight construction and sharp handling, the Evora GT provides a pure driving experience.
Chevrolet Corvette Stingray (C7)
The Chevrolet Corvette Stingray (C7) features a 6.2-liter V8 engine producing 455 horsepower, coupled with a 7-speed manual transmission. This combination offers precise control and exhilarating performance, making it a true American sports car icon.
Honda Civic Type R
The Honda Civic Type R stands out with its turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine generating 306 horsepower, mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. Its precise shifting and front-wheel-drive setup make it a standout in the hot hatch segment.
Ford Focus RS
The Ford Focus RS, with its 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing 350 horsepower, comes with a 6-speed manual transmission. This all-wheel-drive hot hatch delivers incredible performance and agility, making it a favorite among enthusiasts.
Volkswagen Golf GTI
The Volkswagen Golf GTI features a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine with 228 horsepower, paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. Known for its balanced performance and practicality, the GTI remains a top choice for driving enthusiasts.
Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, while not a traditional sports car, offers a thrilling off-road experience with its 3.6-liter V6 engine and 6-speed manual transmission. Its capability and rugged design make it a unique choice for those who love to drive stick.
Porsche Cayman GT4
The Porsche Cayman GT4, with its naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six engine producing 414 horsepower, features a 6-speed manual transmission. This mid-engine sports car offers precise handling and an immersive driving experience.
Toyota 86 (GT86)
The Toyota 86, also known as the GT86, comes with a 2.0-liter flat-four engine and a 6-speed manual transmission. Its lightweight design and rear-wheel-drive layout provide a pure and engaging driving experience.
Audi TT RS
The Audi TT RS, with its 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-five engine producing 394 horsepower, offers a 7-speed manual transmission. This compact sports car delivers impressive performance and distinctive styling.
Cadillac ATS-V
The Cadillac ATS-V features a twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter V6 engine generating 464 horsepower, paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. This combination offers luxury, performance, and a direct connection to the road.
Hyundai Veloster N
The Hyundai Veloster N comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine producing 275 horsepower, available with a 6-speed manual transmission. Its sharp handling and sporty design make it a fun-to-drive hot hatch.
Kia Stinger GT
The Kia Stinger GT offers a twin-turbocharged 3.3-liter V6 engine with 365 horsepower, paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. This grand tourer combines performance, comfort, and practicality.
Alfa Romeo 4C Spider
The Alfa Romeo 4C Spider, with its turbocharged 1.75-liter inline-four engine producing 237 horsepower, features a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission. Its lightweight design and mid-engine layout provide a thrilling driving experience.
Aston Martin Vantage
The Aston Martin Vantage comes with a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 503 horsepower, paired with a 7-speed manual transmission. This luxury sports car delivers exceptional performance and style.
Shelby GT350
The Shelby GT350 features a naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V8 engine with 526 horsepower, mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. This high-performance Mustang offers an exhilarating driving experience and track-ready capabilities.
Mini John Cooper Works
The Mini John Cooper Works, with its turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine producing 228 horsepower, comes with a 6-speed manual transmission. Its compact size and sporty handling make it a fun and agile performer on the road.
This article originally appeared in MyCarMakesNoise.
More from MyCarMakesNoise
12 Unforgettable Station Wagons of the Past
With their elongated bodies and spacious interiors, station wagons have long evoked memories of family road trips, weekend adventures, and a bygone era of automotive design. Read More
12 BMW Models That Shaped the Brand`s Legacy
rom the heart of Bavaria emerges a legacy of impeccable engineering, relentless innovation, and a passion for driving dynamics. BMW, or Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, has not just manufactured cars; it has crafted legends that transcend time. Read More
10 Hidden Challenges of Owning a Muscle Car
With their roaring engines and iconic silhouettes, muscle cars are the poster children of a bygone era of raw power and unbridled passion. But beneath their shiny hoods and alluring exteriors lie stories untold—of quirks, kinks, and occasional hiccups. Read More
