5 Cars That Shouldn’t Be Automatic

In recent times, automatic transmissions have been slowly replacing manual ones and with good reason. They are easier to use since the driver doesn’t have to work the clutch into the process of shifting gears. They are also less restrictive, allowing the driver some freedom when driving. But perhaps the most important advantage of an automatic transmission car is that it provides an opportunity for less experienced drivers to navigate easily as well as providing an easy way for those with a disability to drive.

But there are some cars that don’t work well with an automatic gearbox. The following are 5 cars that are far better manual than automatic.

1. Toyota GT86

The Toyota GT86 comes in both manual and automatic. But the manual version is so much better in terms of performance. For instance, it takes 8.2 seconds for the automatic GT86 to go from 0-60mph, with a top speed of 130mph. The manual on the other hand takes just 7.6 seconds to go from 0-60mph, with a top speed of 140mph. It may not seem like much of a difference until you consider the GT86 is a rear-wheel drive sports car. Most people will buy it for its acceleration and speed.

2. Smart Roadster

Unlike most other two-seaters of its caliber, the Roadster doesn’t offer a choice, it only comes in automatic. It has a 6-speed semi-automatic transmission and paddle shifters although the automatic make-up of the transmission makes the shift rather slow. It’s a great light-weight vehicle at just 790kg but the manual transmission most two-seater car enthusiasts look for would have been an added advantage.

3. MK4 Toyota Supra

The twin-turbo 2JZ Engine and a 6-speed manual gear box in the Supra makes it a legend. The automatic version of the MK Supra is however not that great. It comes with an upward limit of 500 horsepower, and as such it lacks the tune ability of the manual version. Which is probably why it costs nearly half the manual’s price.

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4.Mercedes Benz C63 AMG

The 6.8 liter V8 engine on the Mercedes Benz C63 AMG sedan would have worked so much better had there been a manual transmission option. It’s a shame this car only comes as an automatic transmission car especially because rivals like BMW’s M3 and Audi’s RS4 both provide manual options. But a continued rise in its popularity shows Mercedes Benz customers really didn’t mind, although it would have been great of Mercedes Benz to offer a manual transmission option.

5. Mazda Miata

Not a fast car to begin with, the Miata in automatic just further adds to the problems of performance. Plus, the automatic gearbox just doesn’t offer any new or over the top technology. When compared to the manual version, the automatic Miata just seems to slow down an otherwise great performing car. The MX 5 gearbox clearly demonstrates the main reason the Miata should never have come in automatic. This manual gearbox is one of the best, offering short and precise throws an automatic Miata lacks.

So, while an automatic transmission car may come with a lot of benefits, it may also reduce performance and handing in some vehicles. When you’re buying a car for its power, acceleration and speed, an automatic transmission is probably not the best choice. Manual gears give you better control of the vehicle and when a car is built for speed, you want the control a manual gear-shift system will provide.