It is a shame to see manual transmissions disappearing. Automatic transmission design has advanced so far with lightning-quick shifts accompanied by thunderous chainsaw shift noises and improved fuel economy. However, no amount of innovation matches the experience of rowing through gears.
The topic of speed and manual transmissions is interesting. There's an excellent reason why the fastest automatic transmission sports cars are miles ahead of the manuals. When getting to such high speeds, it becomes difficult to maintain the full power of the vehicle with just one hand on the wheel for the driver. It also becomes challenging to engineer a gearbox to handle that power. Nevertheless, there are still plenty of vehicles with manual transmissions that are still blisteringly fast with outstanding overall performance.
10 Automatic: Acura NSX
The NSX is a controversial car as many don't think it encapsulates the first-generation NSX, but it's unfair to say so. The NSX is a fantastic performer with numerous technological advances, like hybrid technology with dual front electric motors and a single rear electric motor.
In addition to its lightweight materials and an advanced all-wheel-drive system, the NSX has a quick-shifting 9-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Paired with the electric motors and a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6, the NSX can sprint to 60 miles per hour in 3 seconds flat.
9 Manual: Viper GTS
The Viper GTS is such an exciting sports car with many unique characteristics. The looks of the Viper with the long hood are striking, and the general shape does the heritage justice. The famous Viper V10 engine is offered with a 6-speed Tremec manual transmission with a 0-60 time of 3.3 seconds.
The shifter action is improved along with better chassis design. The best part about the Viper is how it provides the authentic sports car experience, with the engine rumbling deeply, tight cornering, and impressive acceleration.
8 Automatic: Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
The GT500 is a monster and is the fastest Mustang ever made. The S550 platform has improved on the Mustang greatly, and Shelby knocked it out of the park. The Coyote-based 5.2-liter supercharged cross-plane crank V8 engine makes 760 horsepower and 625 lb-ft of torque with a Tremec 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The 0-60 time of the GT500 is 3.6 seconds, and the quarter-mile time is 11.4 seconds. The GT350R tends to be a bit better balanced around a track, but the GT500 holds more power and can still corner well.
7 Manual: Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
The Corvette ZR1, like the Viper, has some of the rawest driving dynamics of any car. It is notorious for being difficult to drive because of its front-engine setup. The ZR1 has a 6.2-liter Supercharged LT5 V8 that makes 755 horsepower with a larger supercharger than the Z06, available with a 7-speed Tremec Manual transmission.
It has a top speed of 214 miles per hour and a 0-60 time of 3.0 seconds. As a result of the increased power, the cooling is significantly improved in this trim. The 2019 ZR1 is the last of the front-engine Corvette and provides an unbelievable amount of performance.
6 Automatic: Nissan GT-R Track
The Nissan GT-R is a very mechanical feeling car. Undoubtedly bare-bones, it is starting to feel outdated for the price tag of a new car. However, it will soon be a fantastic used car bargain and still offers its unique feel.
The powertrain is the tried-and-true 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6 that makes 565 horsepower paired to a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The GT-R can sprint to 60 miles per hour in 2.9 seconds, which is incredibly quick. Despite its age, it still has sharp steering and rigid body structure.
5 Manual: Dodge Challenger Hellcat
The Dodge Challenger Hellcat is no stranger to car enthusiasts. Well known for shredding tires, an incredible supercharger whine, and a surprisingly comfortable interior, the Challenger Hellcat offers a classic muscle car package.
The 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI motor in this vehicle makes 707 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque, and the Challenger is the only Hellcat vehicle that offers a 6-speed Tremec Manual. The manual is a few tenths slower than the automatic with a 0-60 time of 3.9 seconds.
4 Automatic: Porsche Taycan Turbo S
The Porsche Taycan Turbo is a very different car from most Porsches and has a very different automatic transmission compared to modern-day dual-clutch technology. The Taycan is the first electric vehicle to have a multispeed transmission so that acceleration is quick in first gear and second gear prioritizes greater efficiency and high speed.
The Taycan is well-known for having some of the sharpest acceleration with lots of torque. It launches the Taycan to 60 miles per hour in 2.6 seconds and will shoot you far back into your seat. The two electric motors provide 751 horsepower and 774 lb-ft of torque. Despite its large four-door design, the Taycan is well-known for its cornering ability as well.
3 Manual: Porsche 911 GT3
The Porsche 911 GT3 is one of the most amazing all-around performers in modern times. Despite its expensive price tag, it is packed with the best engineering to provide the most engaging driving experience. Porsche is well-known for creating some of the best manual transmissions.
It has fantastic straight-line speed in addition to its racing nature that's right at home at the track. The GT3 has a 0-60 time of 3.5 seconds and a standing quarter-mile time of 11.5 seconds, both of which are impressive.
2 Automatic: Mercedes-AMG GT C Coupe
The AMG GT 63 is a masterfully crafted coupe. Unlike most of its competitors, it is a front-engine sports car with AMG's 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 that makes 550 horsepower and 502 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, and the GT C coupe is well-suited for the track.
It is important to be mindful that the GT C is not exactly suited for daily driving on the street. The suspension is well-known for being stiff. The GT C best thrives in a track environment where it can be pushed to its limits.
1 Manual: Aston Martin Vantage AMR
Aston Martin is well-known for making gorgeous cars with lots of passion and character. The Vantage is now powered by AMG's 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine and is offered with a 7-speed manual transmission.
The Vantage has a 0-60 time of 3.9 seconds, slightly slower than the automatic variant. The track-focused AMR version is somewhat different from the Vantage with the ZF 8-speed automatic transmission. Other changes such as weight reduction, braking, new dampers, and other changes to improve handling are implemented in the AMR version.