Are you a fan of the thrill of shifting gears manually? Do you yearn for the days when driving a stick shift was the norm, even in sports cars? Well, you're in luck! Despite the rise of automatic and dual-clutch transmissions, there are still some manual transmission sports cars on the market that are worth considering. But here's where it gets controversial... Some argue that these cars are a dying breed, while others believe that the visceral experience of driving a stick shift is unparalleled. So, let's dive into the world of manual transmission sports cars and explore some of the best options available in 2025. The Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Mazda Miata is the quintessential driver's car. Everything about this small two-seater is geared toward luring the driver to go too fast over a mountain pass. With a maximum horsepower of 181, the Miata is a lightweight and nimble sports car that offers a pure driving experience. The 2025 model is available with a soft-top or power-retractable targa top, and you can choose between a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission.
The Subaru BRZ
The Subaru BRZ is a two-door, four-seat (ha ha), front-engine, rear-wheel drive coupe with a maximum horsepower of 228. While it may be very similar to the delightful Toyota GR86, both cars are actually built in a Subaru factory. The BRZ offers a compelling choice with its tight suspension, clean lines, sporty power, and manual box, costing about the same as a RAV4.
The Toyota GR Corolla
As mentioned, Gazoo Racing brings out the beast in ordinary Toyota cars. The GR Corolla took one look at the Honda Civic Type R and said: 'Hold my beer!' With a 1.6-liter three-cylinder turbo that makes 300 horsepower, the GR Corolla is a real hot hatch that draws inspiration from rally and drifting. But it's not quite the same as the Honda Type R or the Golf GTi. For one, it has a three-cylinder engine and brings all-wheel drive to the party.
The Honda Civic Type R
John Cena is a famous motorhead, among other things, and his favorite drive for anything over ten miles is the Honda Civic Type R. With a maximum horsepower of 315, the Type R has long been the outlaw in performance hot hatches, and only became available in the US in 2017. The current model offers superb grip around corners and perfect control around tight tracks, making it a joy to drive.
The Toyota GR Supra
The Toyota GR Supra is a no-holds-barred two-door sports coupe. With a 3.0-liter inline-six turbo that makes 382 horsepower, the Supra is all about serious performance and the joys of driving too fast on tricky roads. Although the cabin is small and cramped, the Supra offers excellent driver feedback and control via its six-speed manual transmission.
The Nissan Z
The 2025 Nissan Z is a sports car icon as important as the Porsche 911 or Ford Mustang. With a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 that makes 400 horsepower, the Z provides more power and handling than most drivers will know what to do with, and do so with style. The Z is not in the same league as the Porsche 718 or the Toyota GR Supra, but it is in a league of its own.
The Lotus Emira
Lotus made its name with a philosophy of very light cars with superb handling, and the Lotus Emira is no exception. With a maximum horsepower of 400, the Emira is offered in two engine options, and fittingly, only the old-school V6 has the manual transmission. The Emira is a classic mid-engine, rear-wheel drive, two-door coupe that falls in the same league as the Porsche Cayman.
The BMW M2
The 2025 BMW M2 is a sports coupe in the classic BMW mold, with a powerful engine in front and rear-wheel drive. With a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline six with 24 valves that makes 453 horsepower, the M2 is made for powering through long curves and banked corners. Although the M2 comes standard with an eight-speed auto, you can get the six-speed manual transmission at the same price.
The Ford Mustang
The good news is the Ford Mustang is still available with a manual transmission, and the other good news is that you have to buy one of the big V8s to get this. With a maximum horsepower of 486, the Mustang GT models and up come with the 5.0-liter V8 that pushes power through the six-speed manual transmission. This is the way to enjoy the Mustang experience, whether in the traditional fastback coupe or soft-top options.
The Porsche 718 Cayman and Boxster
The 2025 Porsche 718 Cayman and Boxster are coupe and cabriolet versions of the same excellent two-seat, two-door, mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive classics. With a maximum horsepower of 493, the 718 is renowned for its balance, handling, and driving responsiveness. The cabin is sports car snug, giving the driver a greater connection with the car and the road, while still offering some cabin comforts.
