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These days, driving a manual transmission seems to be a lost art. Very few new vehicles are still made with a manual option but that doesn’t mean they have completely disappeared. In fact, some higher-end sports cars and performance-oriented production vehicles have a stick shift solely for the purpose of improving acceleration and attracting drivers who long for the control that a manual offers. Knowing what some of the most desired stick shift cars of 2024 are will help you decide which one is right for you.
Benefits Of A Stick Shift Car
Despite the popularity of automatic transmissions and CVTs, stick shift vehicles have quite a few advantages. They might require a little more patience and concentration but that is part of what makes them so desirable. Some of the benefits of a car with a manual transmission include:
- Acceleration - Since you have direct control over shifting, manual transmissions can have a massive impact on your vehicle’s acceleration. The gears can engage much quicker, resulting in short lag times between gear shifts and a quicker feel.
- Enhanced control - Having better control over shifting can make your vehicle a lot more fun to drive. By controlling when you shift, the engagement of the driving experience is much better with a manual.
- Fuel efficiency - The connections between the engine and the transmission in a stick shift car are much more direct than they are in an automatic. This means that the overall efficiency of the engine is better, which enhances the fuel economy and saves you money at the pump.
Most Desired Stick Shift Cars Of 2024
Porsche 911 GT3
The Porsche 911 GT3 is one of the most desired stick shift cars on the modern automotive market. With its naturally aspirated 4.0-liter six-cylinder engine delivering 502 horsepower through a six-speed manual transmission, it has a zero-to-60 time of 3.3 seconds. If you want even more power, you can upgrade to the S/T model for an additional 16 horsepower and aerodynamic elements that improve overall performance.
The interior of the 2024 911 GT3 has a sporty, clean design with an analog tachometer for a vintage feel and lightweight but comfortable front seats. The 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and it comes with a Wi-Fi hotspot, making this a great option for people who want speed as well as convenience.
Ford Mustang GT
In the world of American muscle cars, the Ford Mustang GT still reigns supreme. The 2024 Mustang GT is one of the most desired stick shift cars on the market with its 5.0-liter V8 and six-speed manual with 480 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. You would be hard-pressed to find another vehicle on the market that has the kind of history that the Mustang GT has and it continues to be a great option for people who want classic style and a pedigree that takes its performance to the next level.
One of the nice things about the 2024 Mustang GT is that the interior is as comfortable as any other modern American car. Despite its powerful engine and performance-heavy specs, the inside is comfortable and supportive with a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster with many customizable options. The GT version also comes with leather inserts in the seating, which is a nice, upscale surprise. The infotainment system has a 13.2-inch touchscreen running the Sync 4 software with all the connectivity options you could want.
Ford Focus RS
While the Ford Focus RS was discontinued in 2018, it remains one of the most desired stick shift cars in 2024. Only 1,000 of these racing-oriented hatchbacks were made and it’s not hard to see why they have become legendary. The powertrain is a 2.3-liter four-cylinder delivering 350 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque, which compliments the stiff, athletic driving feel.
Inside, the Focus RS is straightforward and driver-focused. The 8.0-inch touchscreen features Ford’s Sync 3 software and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. If you have been looking for a used vehicle that can deliver both performance and economy, the Focus RS is going to be your best bet.
Honda Civic Type R
When you think about the Honda Civic, you might think about an economical and efficient daily driver but the Type R is something else entirely. The 2024 Civic Type R features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder putting out 315 horsepower through a six-speed manual transmission and an incredibly light flywheel for fantastic acceleration off the line.
The Type R’s interior is minimal and designed to be racy as well as comfortable. The front seats are supportive without being too plush and the dashboard features shift light indicators that make it easy to push it to the limit without damaging the engine. The infotainment system uses a 9.0-inch touchscreen running both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and it comes with a range of safety features like forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist.
BMW M2
BMW’s M-Series has always been sought-after but the M2 is one of the most desired stick shift cars due to its relative affordability and excellent performance. The single powertrain in the 2024 M2 is a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six generating 453 horsepower in a fairly small package. When combined with the six-speed manual transmission, you get heart-stopping acceleration. The handling is also crisp and responsive with a chassis designed to help keep you in control, even at high speeds.
The M2 wouldn’t be a BMW without a comfortable, impeccably designed interior. The layout is sporty and spartan but incredibly plush, even with the sport seats. It features a 12.3-inch digital gauge display as well as a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen running the iDrive 8 software. The M2 also has a package of standard safety features like automated emergency braking and lane-departure warning.
If you want one of the most desired stick shift cars of 2024, you need to make sure you have everything you need to keep it in great shape. JEGS has a massive variety of tools, parts, and accessories to help you take your stick shift car to the next level. No matter what kind of car you have, you can get what you need and get it delivered right to your door.
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