Small Cars with Manual Transmissions
Why Choose a Small Car with a Manual Transmission?
There are many reasons why you might choose to buy a small car with a manual transmission. Here are just a few:
- Fuel efficiency: Manual transmissions are generally more fuel-efficient than automatic transmissions. This is because they allow you to keep the engine in the optimal RPM range for fuel efficiency.
- Control: Manual transmissions give you more control over your car’s performance. You can choose the right gear for the situation, whether you’re accelerating, cruising, or braking.
- Fun: Many people find manual transmissions to be more fun to drive than automatic transmissions. The added involvement of shifting gears makes driving more engaging and rewarding.
Best Small Cars with Manual Transmissions
If you’re looking for a small car with a manual transmission, there are a number of great options on the market. Here are a few of our favorites:
Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a classic sports car that’s known for its handling and performance. It’s also available with a six-speed manual transmission that’s smooth and precise.
Subaru BRZ
The Subaru BRZ is another great sports car that’s available with a manual transmission. It’s powered by a 2.0-liter boxer engine that produces 205 horsepower. The BRZ is also very lightweight, which makes it agile and fun to drive.
Volkswagen Golf GTI
The Volkswagen Golf GTI is a hot hatch that’s known for its performance and practicality. It’s available with a six-speed manual transmission that’s quick and responsive. The Golf GTI is also very fuel-efficient, getting up to 31 mpg in the city and 43 mpg on the highway.
Honda Civic Si
The Honda Civic Si is a performance-oriented version of the popular Civic. It’s powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine that produces 205 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque. The Civic Si is also available with a six-speed manual transmission that’s smooth and precise.
Toyota Corolla GR Corolla
The Toyota Corolla GR Corolla is a new hot hatch that’s based on the Corolla hatchback. It’s powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine that produces 300 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. The GR Corolla is also available with a six-speed manual transmission that’s quick and responsive.
Tips for Driving a Manual Transmission
If you’re new to driving a manual transmission, here are a few tips:
- Practice: The best way to learn how to drive a manual transmission is to practice. Find an empty parking lot or a quiet road where you can practice shifting gears without traffic.
- Start with the clutch fully depressed: When you’re starting off, make sure the clutch is fully depressed. This will help you avoid stalling.
- Shift into first gear: Once the clutch is depressed, shift into first gear. Slowly release the clutch while simultaneously applying gas. This will get the car moving.
- Shift into higher gears as you accelerate: As you accelerate, you’ll need to shift into higher gears. To do this, depress the clutch, move the gear shift to the next highest gear, and then slowly release the clutch while applying gas.
- Downshift when braking: When you’re braking, you’ll need to downshift to help slow the car down. To do this, depress the clutch, move the gear shift to the next lowest gear, and then slowly release the clutch while applying gas.
Conclusion
Driving a manual transmission can be a rewarding experience. It gives you more control over your car’s performance and can be more fuel-efficient than an automatic transmission. If you’re looking for a small car with a manual transmission, there are a number of great options on the market. With a little practice, you’ll be able to master the art of driving a manual transmission and enjoy the added benefits it offers.
