Coolest Manual Equipped Cars Of 2021 CarBuzz
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Coolest Manual-Equipped Cars Of 2021
Dec. 31, 2021 12:22 PM ET by Jay Traugott Opinion / 10 Comments Get them while you still can. We're all well aware by now that the manual transmission is living on borrowed time. It doesn't matter if demand suddenly begins to soar. The fact is manuals and fully electric vehicles do not mix. EVs don't require multi-speed transmissions because they produce consistent torque levels throughout the rev range. Instead, they mostly utilize single-speed transmissions. Once automakers like GM, Ford, and BMW go completely electric, the manual will perish alongside the internal combustion engine. But we're not there yet. 2021 introduced some fantastic new vehicles available with a manual gearbox. Although some of these launched for the 2022 model year, they were around for a few months in 2021, making them eligible in our eyes. We're not talking about basic econoboxes here but rather fully-fledged enthusiast machines, many of which are in high demand. The following list also includes many familiar faces and we're thrilled they're all returning next year. BMWBMW M3 M4
The G80/G82 generation BMW M3 and M4 launched for the 2020 and 2021 model years, respectively. Both are coming back for 2022 relatively unchanged. Typically, M3/M4 customers go for the optional eight-speed automatic but the enthusiast, and those who simply prefer to row their own gears, can get a six-speed manual at no additional charge. With at least 473 horsepower available and standard rear-wheel-drive, the manual-equipped versions of BMW's iconic coupe and sedan remain two of the most thrilling luxury performance vehicles on the market today. It's way too soon to know whether the next-generation models will have a three-pedal option but sometimes you just gotta live in the present and enjoy. BMWHyundai Veloster N Elantra N
A decade ago it would have shocked everyone Hyundai would be capable of building performance vehicles like these. The Veloster N hot hatchback and Elantra N sedan are two of the best overall values for enthusiasts, especially those on a budget. Both are powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four with 275 horsepower, though torque differs for both; the Veloster has 260 lb-ft while the Elantra puts down 289 lb-ft of twist. Regardless of which one you prefer, both come standard with a six-speed manual. A fast-shifting 8-speed dual-clutch is optional, not to mention kind of pricey. If you're totally against having three pedals, Hyundai requests an additional $1,500 for only two. This one is really a no-brainer. Hyundai CarBuzzMustang Camaro Challenger
It makes sense to group America's muscle car triumphant together here. All three can be equipped with a six-speed manual from the base trims to the higher ranges. The Challenger SRT Hellcat is a prime example. Unfortunately, the Mustang Shelby GT500 can't accommodate a manual because its supercharged V8 is too much to handle. The 650-hp Camaro ZL1, however, comes standard with a six-speed DIY shifter. The Mustang Mach 1 does as well. We know Ford is currently putting the finishing touches on the seventh-generation S650 Mustang and, hopefully, a manual option will return. The Camaro, on the other hand, hasn't been selling well but it's expected to stick around until 2024 or so. That's also the year a fully electric Dodge muscle car will arrive, but that'll come at the expense at the return of today's Challenger. Ford Dodge ChevroletHonda Civic Si
Honda has done it again. The previous-generation Civic Si was (and still is) a brilliant budget performance sedan and its successor is even better. Powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder rated at 200 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque, the Civic Si doesn't even offer an automatic or dual-clutch option; it remains manual-only. If you don't know how to drive stick, either learn or shop elsewhere. With a price tag beginning at less than $30k, buyers are not only getting a fun-to-drive performance car, but also a highly capable daily driver and family hauler. It's truly the best of all three worlds packed together.CarBuzz CarBuzz
Mazda MX-5 Miata
It would have been impossible not to include the iconic Miata on this list. Along with the insanely cool Miata RF, the standard transmission is a six-speed. Frankly, we can't understand why anyone would opt for the more expensive and far less enjoyable six-speed slushbox. It kind of ruins the Miata's classic roadster formula: front-engined, rear-wheel-drive, and lightweight fun. Just one engine is offered, the naturally aspirated 2.0-liter inline-four with 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque on hand. The Miata has been and will continue to be the quintessential affordable roadster. Don't mistake its cutesy looks for the endless amounts of fun drivers have. Just make sure you get the manual. The smile on your face will be even bigger. Mazda knows this, which is why for 2022, even fewer trims have access to the auto. Mazda CarBuzzMini Cooper
The classic Mini Cooper hardtop and convertible rightfully earn spots on this list. Both come powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder with 134 horsepower on tap. Cooper S variants get a more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 189 hp. Regardless of engine choice, a six-speed manual comes standard. A seven-speed dual-clutch is available for an additional cost and, honestly, it's a great transmission. Still, a manual in a car like this makes sense. Unlike the Miata, the Mini is front-wheel-drive-only, which can be a deal-breaker for some. We don't think that should stand in your way. For a starting price of about $23,000, you can get a Mini Cooper Hardtop with a stick and a somewhat usable rear seat - something the Miata lacks. CarBuzz CarBuzzPorsche 718 Boxster Cayman
Yes, they're both far more expensive (even in base trim) than a Mazda Miata. But they're also Porsches. You gotta pay to play sometimes. The 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman carry starting price tags of $60k and $62k, respectively, and come with one of the best six-speed manuals in the industry today. Moving up the trim ranks, the most extreme versions currently available, the Spyder and GT4, can also be paired with manuals instead of the seven-speed PDK. Of course, you'll be paying at least $100k. But there's no shame opting for the base trims. Those are powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged flat-four rated at 300 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. Rear-wheel drive is standard. Unlike the Miata, the 718's engine is located midship, offering a near-ideal weight balance. Bear in mind the next-generation 718 is expected to go fully electric. The manual will die with the flat-four, too.Porsche Porsche