If you’ve never driven a manual car, I recommend it! For driving purists (or even just automotive enthusiasts), it really feels like you are connected to the car. You get a satisfying “click” when you time a downshift just right. There’s better control in tight corners, and honestly, they’re just thrilling to drive. Unfortunately, many cars today have opted not to offer manual transmissions. They skip it in favor of dual-clutch or automatic gearboxes. In some cases, I think there’s a real missed opportunity there.
Why People Still Love Manual Transmissions So Much
In my opinion, manual transmissions really offer an unmatched connection with your vehicle. Other enthusiasts agree. Here are some of the main reasons why manual vehicles are still so beloved in the community…
- There is a unique connection with the gearbox that you don’t get with automatic vehicles.
- The driver gets to choose the correct gear for the speed and terrain.
- There’s better acceleration for sporty driving, and in many cases, these cars are lighter.
- Frequently, they are more reliable due to their simple design.
- They don’t have many “fancy” components, making them cost-friendly to own.
- Many people like the idea of learning to drive with these because you “feel” the car more.
That said, there are some cars on the market today that would have been so much better with a manual transmission. Here are eight.
1. Acura NSX
The second-generation Acura NSX is a technological marvel, blending electric motors with a twin-turbo V6. It’s fast, precise, and packed with innovation, but it’s missing one key ingredient: a manual transmission. The original NSX helped define the analog supercar era, complete with a slick-shifting five-speed. Its successor, while faster, feels more like a video game than a visceral driving experience. A manual option could’ve bridged the gap between old-school charm and modern performance.
2. Audi R8
The Audi R8 is one of the most accessible supercars on the market, boasting a naturally aspirated V10 and everyday drivability. Early models offered a gated six-speed manual that became an instant classic. Unfortunately, Audi phased it out in favor of a dual-clutch automatic, citing performance gains. While the paddle-shifted R8 is lightning-quick, it lacks the raw engagement that a manual transmission provides. Enthusiasts still pine for the days when shifting gears meant hearing that iconic metallic “click.”
3. Bugatti Chiron
With 1,500 horsepower and a top speed north of 260 mph, the Bugatti Chiron is a hypercar in a league of its own. But even with all that power, some gearheads wish they could shift it themselves. Bugatti claims a manual transmission couldn’t handle the torque, and they’re probably right. Still, the idea of manually controlling that kind of brute force is undeniably appealing. It’s a fantasy that blends absurd speed with old-school skill.
4. Mercedes-AMG GT
The AMG GT is a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive beast with a thunderous V8 and aggressive styling. It looks and sounds like a car that should come with a manual transmission. Yet Mercedes opted for a dual-clutch automatic, prioritizing lap times over driver involvement. While the transmission is quick, it removes a layer of intimacy from the driving experience. A manual would’ve made the AMG GT a true spiritual successor to classic grand tourers.
5. Nissan GT-R
The Nissan GT-R, affectionately known as “Godzilla,” is a technological powerhouse. Its all-wheel-drive system and twin-turbo V6 make it a track monster, but it’s only available with a dual-clutch automatic. That’s a shame, considering the Skyline GT-Rs of the past were manual-only icons. A stick shift would add a layer of challenge and reward to an already thrilling car. For many fans, a manual GT-R remains the ultimate unicorn.
6. Porsche 911 GT3 RS
Porsche is one of the few brands still committed to the manual transmission, offering it in the standard 911 and even the GT3. But the hardcore GT3 RS? It’s PDK-only. Porsche argues that the dual-clutch is faster and better suited for track use, which is true. Still, many purists would gladly trade a few tenths of a second for the joy of shifting themselves. A manual GT3 RS would be the ultimate driver’s car.
7. Jaguar F-Type
The Jaguar F-Type is a stunning coupe with a snarling exhaust note and classic proportions. While early V6 models offered a manual, the V8 variants never did. That’s a missed opportunity, especially for a car that channels the spirit of vintage British sports cars. A manual transmission would elevate the F-Type from stylish cruiser to enthusiast’s dream. It’s a car that begs for more driver involvement, and a third pedal would deliver just that.
8. Ferrari 488 GTB
Ferrari hasn’t offered a manual transmission in years, and the 488 GTB continues that trend. With a turbocharged V8 and razor-sharp handling, it’s a masterpiece of modern engineering. But for many fans, the lack of a manual option feels like a betrayal of Ferrari’s roots. The gated shifter of old Ferraris was a thing of beauty, both visually and mechanically. Bringing it back, even as a limited edition, would thrill collectors and drivers alike.
Cars That Still Come With a Manual
The manual transmission is far from dead, though. There are still plenty of cars that are manufactured with a manual transmission in 2025 (but you may have to special order your car to get it, as not many dealerships carry manuals on the lot). So, if you want the feel of a manual, consider one of these.
- Aston Martin Vantage
- BMW M2
- BMW M3
- BMW M4
- BMW Z4
- Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing
- Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing
- Caterham Seven
- Ford Mustang GT/Dark Horse
- Honda Civic Type R
- Hyundai Elantra N
- Lotus Emira
- Mazda MX-5 Miata
- Nissan Z
- Porsche 718 Boxster/Cayman
- Porsche 911
- RUF CTR3 Evo
- RUF Rodeo
- RUF SCR
- Subaru WRX
- Toyota GR Supra
- Toyota GR Corolla
- Toyota GR Yaris
- Toyota GR86/Subaru BRZ
Why the Manual Still Matters
In an age of automation and electrification, the manual transmission represents something rare: a pure, unfiltered connection between car and driver. It’s not about speed; it’s about sensation. These eight cars are phenomenal in their own right, but a manual option would’ve made them unforgettable. For gearheads, shifting gears is more than a task; it’s a ritual. And as long as that passion exists, the manual will never truly die.
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The post 8 Cars Gearheads Wish Came with a Manual Transmission appeared first on Clever Dude Personal Finance & Money.
