The Top Five Manual-Only Cars Still Available

As automotive technology evolves and automatic transmissions become more efficient and responsive, the dominance stick-shifts once held are passing to the wayside. More Americans are opting for automatics and OEMs simply respond to the market.

For enthusiasts, a manual transmission affords a direct connection between human and machine. Here are the top 5 cars that—still—only come with a manual transmission.

Porsche 911R

Built as a tribute to the classic manual transmission, the Porsche 911R has the same 500-hp 4.0-liter flat-six engine as the GT3RS. Unlike that car, a PDK transmission is not available.

The 911R costs $184,900 and the car’s value will likely double on the second-hand market. Because this car is no longer available, you have to pay a pretty penny to get one on the used market. 

Subaru WRX STI

The Subaru Impreza WRX STI continues to be manual-only and thank heaven for that.  Back in 2005, the WRX STI had a 300 horsepower 2.5-liter flat-four boxer engine but fast-forward 11 years and the 2.5-liter engine has increased only by five horsepower.

Many of us would like to see an upgrade or refresh at some point, especially when you could buy a Honda Accord with 278 hp. But for an aggressive everyday sedan with rally pedigree, stiff suspension, and tried and true all-wheel drive. The Subaru WRX STI is still a fan favorite.  

Dodge Viper 

The Dodge Viper remains the ultimate American sports car and to-date it has never had an automatic transmission. The six-speed manual in the Viper ACR receives a beastly amount of power from its massive 8.4-liter V10 pumping out 645 hp.

The Viper might just be the manliest car in existence. Other cars may be faster and more refined but the Viper is a brute that is bananas fun to experience. We say it’s thanks to it only having a manual-only transmission.

Ford Mustang Shelby GT350

Ford’s Shelby GT350 features a 5.2-liter flat-plane-crank V8 with 526 hp. This new engine, code named Voodoo, sounds wicked and can rev all the way up to 8,200 RPM. It is also considered to be the best handling Mustang ever made. Pony up rough riders, it’s time to saddle up.

Ford Focus RS

The winner in this top 5 is the Ford Focus RS. While practically the polar opposite of the Shelby GT350, the RS is powered by a heavily revised EcoBoost Mustang unit boasting a 2.3-liter turbocharged engine generating 350 hp.

Surround all that power in a tiny package and give it all-wheel drive, this little rally inspired car will take you from 0-60 in just 4.7 seconds. Various driver modes….nope. The only computer managing that power is your own self-discipline.  Coming in at just under $36,000 it is one of the most accessible and beastly cars you can find with a manual-only transmission. 

Source: CarBuzz

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Sam Bendall

Sam Bendall is a native Southern Californian who eats, breaths, and simply loves all things with two wheels. He loves to tell good stories beyond the regular press release and is often on the hunt for one. On a personal level he enjoys staying fit, cooking, coffee, whiskey, photography, camping, and travel but not necessarily in that order. He also has a hard jones for Mexican food and is constantly on the search for the perfect slice of pizza.

At a statuesque 6 foot 5 inches, don’t fear his size as he is a gentle giant with a laid back attitude. If you see him around town, say hello and he will greet you with enthusiasm and a smile. His passion for life is nothing short of infectious. When he is not smashing away at his keyboard penning awesome motorcycle articles, Sam regularly works as a freelance photographer and runs a bespoke camera strap business for professional and enthusiast photographers.

Prior to transitioning over to journalism and starting his own business, Sam worked in public relations and marketing for The Pollack PR Marketing Group, Triumph Motorcycles America, and JMPR. He holds a BA in Communication Studies from California State University, Northridge.

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