Why Stick Shift is King
A majority of drivers on the road probably own a vehicle with automatic transmission—you included. And while there's nothing wrong with driving automatic, there's a reason why some still prefer—and switch to—manual. We'll do you one better: here are 10 reasons why manual transmission is better than automatic and 10 manual cars still on the market that you can buy today.
1. You Have Full Control
Unlike automatic transmission which only offers a limited number of gears—with D (drive) being the main mode when driving—manual transmission vehicles allow full control. That means you get to decide when to switch and use which gear.
2. Anyone Can Drive an Automatic Car
An automatic car is easy to drive: just start it, shift the gear to D, and off you go. With manual transmission, it's trickier to learn and get the hang of. A true driving enthusiast will choose manual over automatic any day, simply because it's an acquired skill.
3. Not as Easy to Steal
Expanding on the previous point, because not everyone can drive a manual transmission car, they're more difficult to steal. Whereas if you drove an automatic, they can easily jump in and take off. Unless, of course, you live in a country (like the UK) where most drive a manual.
4. Not as Easy to Borrow
It's also unlikely your friends and family will ask to borrow your car if you drive a manual and they don't. That means you don't have to worry about them potentially scratching your vehicle when running an errand (or leaving crumbs in the gaps of your seats).
5. It's Safer
Manual transmission cars require both hands when driving—one on the wheel, one on the gearstick. On the contrary, those who drive automatic cars may often only have one hand on the wheel. This means they're more likely to be distracted with the other hand free to text, call, or grab food to eat.
6. Manual Transmission Cars Cost Less
Holding out to buy a new car? It might influence your decision to know that manual transmission cars are cheaper to buy new than automatic vehicles. Why are they cheaper? Because they're cheaper to produce and rely more heavily on the driver—you—doing the work, rather than the car itself.
7. Better Fuel Economy
In addition to being cheaper, manual transmission cars also typically have better fuel economy. While newer automatic vehicles have great gas mileage as well, manual cars help save you fuel because you can choose which gear to use to make the engine work more efficiently. Manual cars also tend to be lighter than automatic ones.
8. Less Maintenance
Manual cars are lighter because they don't have as many parts as automatic vehicles. This also means that they're less likely to break down and need regular maintenance. Even when things do need replacing, they usually cost less to repair than parts in an automatic.
9. You Can Brag About It
Perhaps one of the key reasons why driving a manual is better is because you can brag about it. After all, not many people are willing to learn—and can safely drive—a vehicle with a manual transmission, especially if you live in a region where more automatic cars roam the roads.
10. Car Battery Start Trick
If you drive an automatic car and the battery breaks down, even if you have the necessary tools, you'll have to wait for someone else to help you jumpstart the engine. But with a manual car, there's a trick that requires no outside help. Provided you're on a downslope, you can give your car a rolling start by turning the ignition, putting the clutch in, switching to second gear, then "popping" the clutch once you have enough speed.
Now that we've covered some of the reasons why a manual is better than an automatic, let's jump into 10 manual transmission cars you can still buy today.
1. Toyota GR86
Looking for a sleek car to hit the road with? Let the Toyota GR86 be your pick. With a six-speed manual transmission, it's equipped with a 2.4-liter boxer engine that generates 228 horsepower, making for a fun, speedy drive.
2. Toyota GR Corolla
You've likely heard that the Toyota Corolla is the standard car for first-time drivers, but once you've graduated from the pack, it's time to move on. The Toyota GR Corolla is a sports hatchback with a turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower—perfect for sporty driving.
3. Mazda MX-5 Miata
A familiar beast on the road that frequently tops the list for manual drivers, the Mazda MX-5 Miata is a six-speed two-seater with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine serving 181 horsepower. If you're looking for a car to drive along the beach, this is it.
4. BMW M2
Another favorite is the BMW M2, which, despite looking less menacing than its successors—the M3 and M4—is still a standout. Equipped with a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine producing 476 horsepower, and a standard six-speed manual transmission, this car is hard to beat.
5. Honda Civic Type R
One of the best hot hatch cars on the market at the moment, the Honda Civic Type R boasts a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine generating 315 horsepower. Plus, with a silky smooth and precise gearbox, you'll fall in love as soon as you climb into the driver's seat.
6. Toyota GR Supra
Looking for another choice from Toyota? Look no further: the Toyota GR Supra is equipped with a six-speed manual transmission and a 3.0-liter inline-six engine that generates 382 horsepower and 368 lb-ft of torque. But if that's not enough to convince you, maybe knowing that nearly 47% of Supra buyers opted for stick shift during the first year of its release will.
7. Nissan Z
If you're looking for a chic, retro design, the Nissan Z offers both style and performance on a silver plate. The newest model features a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 that produces 400 horsepower, along with 350 lb-ft of torque, making it a blast to drive.
8. Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing
Enthusiasts will likely agree that this is one of the best sports sedans on the market. Why? Not only does the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing boast a supercharged engine—a 6.2-liter V-8 churning out 668 horsepower—it also has 659 lb-ft of torque and a six-speed gearbox.
9. Ford Mustang GT
If you want to drive the Mustang with three pedals, it's a good thing Ford has decided to keep manual transmission available—though only in the GT and Dark Horse trims. While the former is equipped with a 5.0-liter V8 engine producing 480 horsepower, the latter offers 500 horsepower and a unique chassis setup.
10. Porsche 911 GT3
Both the Porsche 911 Carrera T and GT3 models are raved about, and for good reason: in particular, the GT3 model comes with a 4.0-liter flat-six engine producing 502 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque. It also offers a standard six-speed manual transmission and can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds.
