The manual transmission is becoming increasingly rare, with many drivers opting for more modern, automated gear-shifting systems. In a recent drive through Southern California’s winding mountain roads in a 2019 Mazda MX-5 RF convertible, the author reflects on the absence of manual transmissions in their driving experience over the past year. Despite the significant technological advancements in automatic transmissions, the author fondly recalls the hands-on, personal connection with the road that a manual gearbox offers.
The rise of automatic transmissions has made manual gearboxes a rare sight in modern cars. In the author’s annual driving log, only a few models, such as the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, Hyundai Veloster N, and the Mazda Miata RF, featured manual transmissions. Despite these exceptions, finding a car with three pedals—clutch, brake, and accelerator—has become increasingly uncommon. This reflects the broader trend where automakers focus on convenience and ease, leaving traditional manual gearboxes in the past.
Manual vs. Automatic: A Heated Debate
The debate between manual and automatic transmissions remains a passionate subject among car enthusiasts. For purists, a manual transmission is the ultimate driving experience, while anything else is considered a form of “cheating.” However, even manufacturers like Ferrari, known for their precision engineering, have phased out manual gearboxes, citing the advantages of computer-controlled transmissions in terms of reliability and speed. Despite this, enthusiasts still defend the manual transmission as the only true way to connect with a car.
Despite technological advancements in automatic gearboxes, many driving enthusiasts still adore manuals for reasons beyond performance. The author reflects on their 40+ years of driving manual cars, from a 1963 Volkswagen Bug to high-performance race cars. The act of shifting gears manually, particularly the heel-and-toe technique during downshifts, offers a connection to the car that automated systems cannot replicate. This deep connection is a reminder of the enduring allure of manual gearboxes, which continue to hold a special place in the hearts of purists.
When it comes to raw performance, automated gearboxes clearly outperform manuals. Dual-clutch systems, like the one in the Ferrari 488 Pista, can execute gear changes in milliseconds—much faster than any human can manage. This technological edge makes manual transmissions obsolete in high-performance vehicles like Formula 1 cars, where split-second shifts are crucial. However, despite these advantages, many enthusiasts still prefer manuals for their unique driving experience, even if they can’t match the speed of modern automated systems.
Nostalgia and Mastery: The Appeal of Manual Transmissions
The continued appeal of manual transmissions is rooted in nostalgia and the satisfaction of mastering a skill. Much like flying an airplane using traditional navigation tools or scuba diving with analog instruments, driving a car with a manual transmission offers a sense of mastery and control. The process of downshifting, blipping the throttle, and coordinating footwork creates a deeply satisfying connection between the driver and the vehicle, one that is less about performance and more about the experience.
For many, driving a manual is about more than just getting from point A to point B—it’s about engaging with the car and the road in a way that automatic transmissions simply cannot replicate. The perfect manual downshift, where the gear engages smoothly at the right RPM and the exhaust note sings, is a deeply rewarding experience. This level of control over the car’s movements fosters a sense of connection that automated systems, no matter how fast or efficient, cannot achieve.
Despite the decline of manual transmissions, they are not entirely extinct. There are still around 40 models on the market offering a manual option, catering to purists who want the tactile engagement of a clutch pedal and gear shifter. In a world increasingly dominated by automated technology, the manual transmission remains a symbol of the driving enthusiast’s commitment to maintaining a personal connection with their vehicle. For those who value the skill and satisfaction of shifting gears manually, no automated system can ever replace that experience.