Car and Driver: The Best Manual Transmissions

1. Honda Civic Type R (2017-present)

The Honda Civic Type R is known for its blistering performance and razor-sharp handling, and its six-speed manual transmission is a big part of that. The shifter is short and precise, with a light and easy clutch that makes it a joy to use. The gears are well-spaced, and the throws are short and crisp, making it easy to find the right gear for every situation.

2. Mazda MX-5 Miata (2016-present)

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a legendary sports car that’s known for its pure driving dynamics and affordability. Its six-speed manual transmission is a perfect match for the Miata’s lightweight and nimble chassis. The shifter is light and precise, and the throws are short and crisp. The gears are also well-spaced, making it easy to find the right gear for every situation.

3. Ford Mustang GT350 (2015-2020)

The Ford Mustang GT350 is a track-focused muscle car that’s known for its potent V8 engine and aggressive handling. Its six-speed manual transmission is a perfect match for the GT350’s performance capabilities. The shifter is short and precise, with a heavy-duty clutch that can handle the car’s high torque output. The gears are also well-spaced, making it easy to find the right gear for every situation.

4. Porsche 911 Carrera S (2019-present)

The Porsche 911 Carrera S is a high-performance sports car that’s known for its precision engineering and blistering performance. Its seven-speed manual transmission is a perfect match for the Carrera S’s powerful flat-six engine. The shifter is light and precise, with a short and crisp clutch that makes it a joy to use. The gears are also well-spaced, making it easy to find the right gear for every situation.

5. Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (2015-2019)

The Chevrolet Corvette Z06 is a high-performance sports car that’s known for its powerful V8 engine and aggressive handling. Its seven-speed manual transmission is a perfect match for the Z06’s capabilities. The shifter is short and precise, with a heavy-duty clutch that can handle the car’s high torque output. The gears are also well-spaced, making it easy to find the right gear for every situation.

6. BMW M2 Competition (2018-present)

The BMW M2 Competition is a compact high-performance sports car that’s known for its agile handling and powerful engine. Its six-speed manual transmission is a perfect match for the M2 Competition’s capabilities. The shifter is short and precise, with a light and easy clutch that makes it a joy to use. The gears are also well-spaced, making it easy to find the right gear for every situation.

7. Mercedes-AMG A35 4Matic (2019-present)

The Mercedes-AMG A35 4Matic is a compact high-performance hatchback that’s known for its powerful engine and aggressive handling. Its seven-speed manual transmission is a perfect match for the A35 4Matic’s capabilities. The shifter is short and precise, with a light and easy clutch that makes it a joy to use. The gears are also well-spaced, making it easy to find the right gear for every situation.