Once, manual transmissions were the only way to go for sports cars. As time has gone on, automatics have taken over, with many drivers enjoying the freedom of letting the car's systems decide how to adjust the speed on a drive properly. But many drivers prefer being able to do it themselves, asserting more control over the car, which adds to the experience.
Muscle car buffs generally prefer manual while those who have sports cars (especially luxury ones) lean towards automatic. Manufacturers seem to prefer automatic transmissions more these days, but thankfully, there are still some brand new sports cars offering manual, not only as an option but sometimes as the only transmission at all. It says a lot that with all the high tech in 2021, these eight sports cars can still be "old-school" in the handling to add to their appeal.
8 Ford Mustang
While Ford is now offering the Shelby Mustang in only automatic, the classic Mustang and GT are still in automatic. The offerings are great, from the base to a convertible to the resurrected Mach 1 with its gorgeous 480-hp 5.0-liter V-8.
While some may enjoy the ten-speed automatic option, the six-speed manual is preferred by those who want the feeling of a classic Mustang machine roaring with power. The fact that a four-cylinder offering is better than some V8 cars proves how the Mustang never goes out of style.
7 Mazda MX-5 Miata
It's interesting how Mazda seems reluctant to put a stick into some sedans but keeps it up with their sports cars. Despite pressures to flex with the times, the fourth generation Miata refuses to let go of its roots as a rear-powered manual sports car and, if anything, keeps improving.
That goes for either the two-seater roadster or the slightly heavier RF ("retractable fastback"), and while some may scoff that the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder is too low, it goes zero to 60 in under six seconds to prove you can't beat near-perfection.
6 Toyota GR 86
Buzz is building on the Toyota GR (as in "Gazoo Racing") 86, which mixes old-school power with a modern edge. What's notable is how Toyota is offering a six-speed manual transmission as standard for all trims while the automatic is optional.
The 2.4-liter 4-cylinder gets 228 hp, a nice boost from the previous models. The company claims that while it may share similarities with the Subaru BRZ, the GR 86 will have its own unique power and style on the road. The manual helps it stand out even more for when it debuts.
5 Subaru BRZ
Subaru cut off any rumors by making it clear the 2022 BRZ is still sticking to stick. While it's not turbocharged, the rear-drive 2+2 sports machine is enhancing the engine to a 228-hp 2.4-liter flat-four.
That comes with a lower center of gravity and a sleeker exterior to enhance the speeds. The fact it comes with a manual transmission alone is a big reason to get excited for this BRZ when it hits the market later this year.
4 Porsche 911
It'll be a sad day when the Porsche 911 no longer comes in stick. Thankfully, that day still appears far off. Also good is Porsche resisting the urge to add extra cost for their manual but keep it a no-cost option to the eight-speed dual-clutch on a Carrera.
Not only does this count for a regular 911 but also the GT3's 500-hp 4.0-liter flat-six offering it alongside the automatic. Granted, it's still out of many consumers' price range, but it's worth six figures for that performance.
3 Aston Martin Vantage
A James Bond-style car without manual transmission would seem off. On top of being AMG-powered, the 2021 Vantage offers a manual transmission option.
The "entry-level" Vantage possesses a seven-speed manual transmission, and the track-ready AMR performance variant has a unique dog-leg-pattern shifter. Either one is great for the twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 offering a terrific performance and a true advantage for drivers.
2 Chevrolet Camaro
With Chevrolet finally giving up and no longer offering a Corvette in manual, the Camaro is a nice fill-in. What's notable is that it's not just a variant, but every variation of this powerhouse is in manual.
It doesn't matter if it's the base 1LS with a 2.0-liter V6 to the stunning ZL1 1LE with the supercharged 6.2-liter V-8, a manual transmission is standard. Owners have options whether they’re going for a muscle machine or a real supercar experience.
1 Porsche 718 Boxster
It is striking how Porsche continues to offer stick despite all the changes in the sports car world. Every variation of both the Boxster and 718 Cayman offers manual in all trim levels and powertrains.
In fact, the six-speed is the only transmission of any sort provided for the Boxster Spyder models. The six-cylinder GTS 4.0 offers better sound and performance than other variations, and yet the sporty Boxster is still fun to drive with a stick.