Plenty of modern sports cars are equipped with amazing manual transmissions, such as the Mini John Cooper Works Clubman ALL4 and the Ford Mustang Shelby GT350. However, there are some that would simply be better as an automatic. Cars like the Nissan GTR and the Audi RS4.
This list explores modern sports cars that are amazing with their manual transmissions and compares them with 3 alternative cars whose stick shifts are best swapped out for an automatic. All of these are very powerful cars, but their power and performance are challenged when a different transmission is used.
10 2019 Mazda MX-5 (Manual)
The fourth generation of the Mazda MX-5 was initially launched in 2014 but received an update in 2019. The ND2 had its engine updated in order to produce 181 hp. There were also exterior updates changing the appearance of the vehicle up slightly.
The MX-5's six-speed manual transmission suits it perfectly, with it adding key levels to the vehicle's performance, allowing for the slick drive that Mazda creates so nicely. The manual is hugely better than the automatic Mazda MX-5, with the driver being in control of the performance in the car. Sadly, the automatic just doesn't live up to the manual, with the car having better throttle and power this way.
9 2019 Porsche 911 GT3 (Manual)
The Porsche 911 GT3 has an immersive driving experience. The car is one of the fastest and most engaging driver's cars ever made and is a brilliant vehicle. Evo also states how immersive the driver's experience is in the 911 GT3, with the manual gearbox really making the difference in the car.
The gearbox truly enhances the driving of the car and is quite possibly one of the best ever made. Pairing this alongside the other technological features of the GT3, with 8000 rpm being achieved and the 0-60 of just 3.9 seconds. It's a truly great car and the manual gearbox is really what makes the car succeed.
8 2019 Jaguar F-Type (Manual)
The Jaguar F-Type, unveiled in an updated form in 2019, is amazing with its manual transmission. Sure, it also comes with an automatic transmission that's also great, but why bother with a car that's made to be driven and enjoyed? The car is very sporty, looks good, and has a lot of consumer interest. The vehicle is also very powerful, reaching 380 hp in the manual vehicles that have turbocharged V6 engines.
It was built to rival Porsche, and it definitely does just that. The F-Type is also available with an automatic transmission, but the manual offers a smoother drive with enhanced capabilities in terms of performance. Alongside the powerful engine, this manual transmission vehicle is truly brilliant and spotty.
7 Porsche Cayman GTS (Manual)
The Porsche Cayman GTS 4.0 model was released in 2020. Powered with over 300 hp, and a great-sounding engine, Porsche's vehicle is paired with a great chassis. While not everyone is keen on the choice of a manual transmission in the Cayman, it does enhance the vehicle's fuel economy and highlights the brilliance of Porsche's engineering.
Despite not having AWD, the car is great for stability and handles like a charm. Combining this with the transmission, Porsche came up with a great sports car that is powerful enough but still keeps itself in line and is capable of performing extremely well.
6 Audi R8 4.2 Coupe FSI Quattro (Manual)
The first generation of Audi R8's family was initially produced in 2006. The 4.2 Coupe FSI Quattro was equipped with a V8 engine with 414 hp pushing performance higher. Its top speed of 188mph and a 0-60 of about 4 seconds enhances its capabilities as a great vehicle.
The manual transmission heightens driver engagement and control, so at high speeds, the handling capabilities are enhanced too, especially with the AWD system in the R8. Also, the vehicle is completed with a stunning-looking gated manual gear lever.
5 Nissan 370Z (Manual)
The Nissan 370Z coupe was launched in 2008, succeeding the 350Z. The vehicle is brilliant in terms of performance, as most of the Nissan Z cars have been. Even though the car has been underrated, the Nissan 370Z is amazing. The Nismo version only comes in manual transmission. It has 339 horsepower, pushing up the power from the standard Nissan 370Z.
The driver definitely has a lot of control in this car, with steering capabilities and handling being brilliant parts. Despite this, the car has plenty of fun elements too, increasing enthusiasts' interest in the car. This car is the one to choose if an enthusiast wants a great performing Nissan 370Z that comes with fun and stability.
4 Subaru BRZ (Manual)
The updated Subaru BRZ, launched in 2020, come with a manual transmission as standard, and an automatic version can be chosen if the consumer would like. The vehicle is completed with over 220 hp and a 4-cylinder engine. Subaru's BRZ is very engaging and driver central. The chassis is a real selling point of the car, but so is the control that the driver has over the functions of the vehicle.
There is however some low grip of the tires. This makes the car struggle a little with the high power capabilities that it had, but the vehicle is still powerful enough for a great performance and its transmission helps this a lot.
3 Porsche 911 Turbo S (Automatic)
The Porsche 911 Turbo S is complete with a manual gearbox. Released in 2020, the PDK gearbox itself is good and engaging, but the Turbo S is more of a cruiser GT car and an automatic makes life with it a lot easier. The automatic gearbox also helps to vector the torque better.
The automatic gearbox would simply enhance the driving capabilities of the car, especially as though the automatic is heavily advanced and when paired alongside enhanced wheels, the control that the driver has is great and is really important for a driver's car such as that Turbo S.
2 Bentley Continental GT (Automatic)
The Bentley Continental GT, launched in 2020, is a big GT car. Having a manual gearbox with the driver having to change gears is not as effective as an automatic gearbox would be in this car. The car has reasonable speed and performance, with a top speed of 207 mph and a 0-62 mph takes 3.2 seconds. However, the manual gearbox makes reflexes slower and can struggle with the torque from the massive 6-liter W12.
The car, being designed for luxury and refinement, should be accompanied with an automatic gearbox as Bentley's automatic transmissions are some of the finest available and make life a lot easier when equipped in their cars.
1 Aston Martin Vantage (Automatic)
The Aston Martin Vantage has a long history. This version was the successor to the Aston Martin V8, was launched in 2018 and was offered in both manual and automatic transmissions. However, the manual gearbox on early road tests indicated that it wasn't as precise and ergonomic as one would expect from a driver's car. The old Vantage was renowned for its slick manual gearbox, which somehow makes the new Vantage look a bit worse.
The ZF Paddleshift in the automatic offered by the Vantage is brilliant, quick, and engaging. The automatic mode turns a fierce sports car into a refined GT car. The automatic one is also quicker, with the 0-60 as the car reaches 60 mph in 3.5 seconds but the manual reaches this in 3.9 seconds. Close, but the automatic wins.