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Jul 23, 2023

10 Most Analog Cars Of 2023

In the age of automatics and electrification, these cars still come with three pedals and a stick in order to offer a visceral driving experience These days it seems like more and more manufacturers

In the age of automatics and electrification, these cars still come with three pedals and a stick in order to offer a visceral driving experience

These days it seems like more and more manufacturers are opting to exclude manual transmissions from their lineup of cars in favor of the comfort and usability of an automatic. With the emergence of electric and self-driving cars, the dreams of finding H-pattern gearboxes on every car on the market move further and further away.

But in the midst of despair, a group of cars have slipped through the cracks and still offer a traditional manual gearbox with three pedals and a stick providing drivers with the ultimate connection to their machine as they row through gears. While there are 35 models currently on sale with a manual transmission, we are going to take a look at the following models and how they provide you with a raw and pure driving experience.

The information mentioned in this article, such as vehicle specs and performance data, has been sourced from sites like Edmunds and Car and Driver.

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The name Miata is a reference to an old high German word that means reward and it serves as a reference to the car's intent. Ever since its debut in 1989, Mazda has designed the Miata as a lightweight two-seater roadster that provides drivers with a fun and rewarding driving experience by focusing on the car's handling dynamics rather than outright speed.

Engine

2.0-liter inline-four

Power

181 horsepower

Torque

151 lb-ft

Transmission

Six-speed manual

Top speed

137 mph

Since the original NA model, the MX-5 has been through three decades and four generations notably becoming the best-selling two-seat convertible sports car in history with sales exceeding one million units back in 2016. The fourth-generation model went into production in 2015 and received slight upgrades in 2019 such as a small power bump and retractable hard top for the RF variant that gives it a more coupe-like appearance.

With a high-revving 181 horsepower 2.0-liter inline-four engine, a crisp-shifting six-speed manual, and rear-wheel drive the MX-5 offers one of the rawest driving experiences of any car in its price range and serves as a true driver’s car.

The GR86 is a two-door sports coupe that Toyota built in partnership with Subaru as a successor to the original AE86. Similar to its predecessor the GR86 provides drivers with a no-nonsense fun and exciting car that features Toyota's signature reliability and sensibility allowing it to be used all days of the week and not just on weekends.

Engine

2.4-liter flat-four boxer

Power

228 horsepower

Torque

184 lb-ft

Transmission

Six-speed manual or automatic

Top speed

135 mph

The second-generation GR86 made its debut in 2021 and it features partial aluminum paneling to soften the blow from excess weight put on due to safety features. According to Toyota it also features 50% more torsional rigidity than its first-generation model allowing for better handling. Under the hood, this model comes equipped with a Subaru-made 2.4-liter flat-four boxer engine that produces 228 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The engine sends power to the rear wheels through either a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission.

The Golf is a compact hatchback that came out way back in 1974 as a replacement for the Beetle and it holds the distinction of being one of the longest-running and highest-selling nameplates in the world. Over the span of eight generations, Volkswagen has perfected the formula for a lightweight low-power front-wheel drive hatchback that’s easy to drive and offers an exciting experience. But if you want something faster, you can opt for its higher-performance version, the GTI.

Engine

2.0-liter inline-four

Power

241 horsepower

Torque

273 lb-ft

Transmission

7-speed dual-clutch automatic or six-speed manual

Top speed

155 mph

The current generation GTI made its debut in 2022 and it is a five-door, four-seater hatchback built on Volkswagen’s MQB platform. The model comes fitted with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine that produces 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. The model comes standard with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission but the optional six-speed manual is the preferred option for drivers seeking a purer experience.

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The Subaru WRX is an all-wheel drive sports sedan that has its roots firmly planted in the rallying world. While its legendary WRC competitor the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, bid farewell back in 2015 the WRX soldiers on, releasing the current generation back in 2022.

Engine

2.4-liter four-cylinder boxer

Power

271 horsepower

Torque

258 lb-ft

Transmission

Six-speed manual or CVT

Top speed

134 mph

The 2023 model features a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder boxer engine that produces 271 horsepower and takes the car from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. The model comes equipped with a six-speed manual transmission for enthusiasts while also catering to a wider demographic by providing an optional CVT.

In the past year, Honda has revived the Integra under its Acura brand and it serves as a replacement for the ILX sedan. Built on the same platform as the 11th-generation Civic, the fifth-generation Integra made its debut in 2023 and it's a four-door hatchback that offers a slightly more upscale experience than the Civic.

Engine

1.5-liter inline-four

Power

200 horsepower

Torque

192 lb-ft

Transmission

Six-speed manual or CVT

Top speed

135 mph

Powering this model is a 1.5-liter inline-four lifted from a Civic Si. The engine produces a disappointing 200 horsepower and it powers its front wheels through an optional six-speed manual transmission. While its engine might be a bit short on power the Integra still manages to deliver an exciting experience with Car and Driver notably describing its handling as "lively and spry".

The Type R is the high-performance version of the regular Civic and Honda has been offering it since the first one back in 1997. Based on the 11th-generation Civic the six-generation Typer R made its debut in 2022 before finally being released in 2023.

Engine

Turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four

Power

315 horsepower

Torque

310 lb-ft

Transmission

Six-speed manual

Top speed

169 mph

This generation of the Civic takes a completely different route in terms of styling than its predecessor. Where the last generation model had sharp edges, large vents, and a number of cuts and lines present through its body the newer model features a more mature and dulled style similar to the current generation Accord.

Under the hood, the 2023 model comes equipped with the same turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine found on the previous generation model but with an upgraded turbo turbocharger and a better exhaust system the power output has been bumped up from 306 horsepower to 315. The power is sent to its front wheels through a six-speed manual transmission which has also been upgraded to handle the extra power. The 2023 Type R provides its drivers with the usability of a Civic but with the power and handling of something much sportier. The model has also been selected by Car and Driver for their 2023 10 Best Cars list.

RELATED: Top 10 Cars You Didn't Know Came with a Manual Transmission

The Supra also known as the J29 is a successor to the legendary Mark Four Supra and it made its debut 17 years after its predecessor in 2019. The model is developed in partnership with BMW alongside the Z4 and due to this it shares a high number of parts with the model including its engine.

Engine

3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six

Power

382 horsepower

Torque

368 lb-ft

Transmission

Six-speed manual

Top speed

161 mph

The 2023 GR variant comes fitted with a BMW-borrowed 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine that produces 382 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque. The engine propels the car up to a top speed of 161 mph, powering its rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission.

Ford has been selling the Mustang since 1965 and with a total of six generations spanning 58 years it holds the distinction of being the longest-produced Ford model to date. The sixth-generation Mustang also known as the S550, made its debut in 2015 and it featured a complete redesign that was a bit more modern and sophisticated than its predecessor.

Engine

5.0-liter V-8

Power

480 horsepower

Torque

410 lb-ft

Transmission

Six-speed manual

Top speed

163 mph

Looking at the model it becomes evident that despite its modern look Ford’s design team leaned heavily on nostalgia, giving it retro styling cues inspired by the famous 1960s-era models. Some of the retro-style design features include a "shark-bite" front fascia, a sloping fastback roofline, and tri-bar tail lamps.

The 2023 model’s Mach 1 variant comes fitted with a 480-horsepower 5.0-liter V-8 that generates 410 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to its rear wheels through a 6-speed manual transmission, allowing the driver full control over its immense power.

The M2 is a performance-oriented version of the regular 2 series and it was developed by BMW’s famous motorsport division known as "BMW Motorsport GmbH." The model first debuted in the popular racing video game "Need For Speed" but later saw a more full showcase at the 2016 North American International Auto Show.

Engine

3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six

Power

453 horsepower

Torque

406 lb-ft

Transmission

Six-speed manual

Top speed

177 mph

The M2’s second and current generation features a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine that produces 453 horsepower which is notably just 20 less than the engine found on an M3. The engine sends its power to the rear wheel through a six-speed manual transmission, providing an extra level of control over the vehicle and what some may consider a purer driving experience.

RELATED: The Real Reason Why Car Companies are Retiring the Manual Transmission

The 718 Cayman is a two-door roadster that exists as an entry-level car in the Porsche lineup. But that can be considered a plus because it means that it offers Porsche’s signature look, handling, and engine without the frills and fluff of the top-end models providing its owners with a pure driving experience. A model that provides you with the handling characteristics of an expensive sports car but puts luxury on the back burner in favor of competitive pricing.

Engine

4.0-liter flat-six

Power

394horsepower

Torque

309 lb-ft

Transmission

Six-speed manual

Top speed

182 mph

The 2023 Cayman GTS comes equipped with a mid-mounted 394 horsepower 4.0-liter flat-six engine that powers its rear wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox. The mid-engine layout along with the manual transmission gives this model an edge in terms of handling over its competitors such as the front-engined Jaguar F-Type.

Mustafa has been interested in cars for as long as he can remember. He's gone from collecting Hotwheel cars as a kid to, well..... let's face it, driving a regular Toyota Corolla today because it's comfortable, practical, and easy. But he hopes to one day have a collection of vastly impractical cars that will bring a smile to his face every time he drives them.