It’s understandable if you’re tired of seeing Mazda’s compact roadster on such lists, but the truth is that this is one of the few options for those looking for a back-to-basics driving experience. The recipe is a simple, light, naturally aspirated engine with ample power and a close-ratio manual transmission. In the latest version of the MX-5, the 2.0-liter inline-four engine produces 184 hp and 205 Nm, which is enough to propel the 2,271-pound (1,030 kg) roadster to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. As other models move toward electrification, the 2023 MX-5 promises more of the same.
| engine | 2.0 liter inline four engine |
|---|---|
| power | 184 hp |
| torque | 151 LB FT |
| Weight | 2,271 pounds |
| 0 to 60 km/h | 5.7 seconds |
Read our full Mazda MX-5 Miata review
If you’re into classic American muscle cars, the Dodge Challenger is as close as it gets. While it can corner corners, it’s not what you’d call eager or sporty. The Challenger is more about straight-line performance, which is more than ample thanks to a couple of pushrod V-8s ranging in displacement from 5.7 to 6.4 liters, the latter of which can hit 60 mph in 4.3 seconds ) can reach . Unfortunately, you can no longer get a Challenger Hellcat with a manual transmission, as they all come with ZF’s eight-speed automatic transmission. Despite this, the Challenger still offers that old-school muscle car feel.
Read our full report on the Dodge Challenger
Porsche hasn’t forgotten those looking for the pure driving experience, which is why the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 is offered with a six-speed manual gearbox. The hottest roadworthy 718 (after the GT4 RS/Clubsport) is also fitted with a naturally aspirated 4.0-litre six-cylinder developing 420 hp and 420 Nm. The mid-engine Porsche weighs 1,418 kg, which contributes to a 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) acceleration of around 3.6 seconds.
| engine | 4.0 liter six-cylinder naturally aspirated engine |
|---|---|
| power | 420 hp |
| torque | 310 LB FT |
| Weight | 3,126 pounds |
| 0 to 60 km/h | 3.6 seconds |
Read our full Porsche Cayman GT4 review
When the S550 generation Ford Mustang came out, many frowned and said it was a bit too European. Despite being the most refined Mustang yet, the car still manages to retain much of what made it a great pony car in the first place. While a supercharged inline-four is on offer, there’s still the legendary naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8. It currently makes 460 hp (450 for North America) and 420 pound-feet (569 Nm).
Even with the six-speed manual transmission, the sprint from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) takes just 4.2 seconds. Unfortunately, 2022 is the final model year for this generation of Mustangs, and we already know the S650 Mustang will be a hybrid.
| engine | 5.0 liter naturally aspirated V8 engine |
|---|---|
| power | 460 hp |
| torque | 420 LB FT |
| 0 to 60 km/h | 4.2 seconds |
Read our full Ford Mustang GT review
When it comes to driver cars, we can’t do without Toyota’s compact, rear-wheel-drive sports car. Like the Mazda MX-5, it’s light, naturally aspirated and comes with a manual. The 2.4-liter flat-four develops 228 horsepower and 184 pound-feet (250 Nm) in 5.8 seconds. At 1,277 kg (2,815 pounds), the Toyota GR86 is very light for a modern car. More importantly, it comes with one of the most playful and predictable chassis on the market today.
| engine | 2.4 liter boxer engine |
|---|---|
| power | 228 hp |
| torque | 184 LB FT |
| Weight | 2,815 pounds |
| 0 to 60 km/h | 5.8 seconds |
Read our full Toyota GR86 review
TVR hasn’t had it easy lately. The British car company was on the brink of extinction a few times and is still not out of the woods to this day. Their latest model – the Griffith – is said to be the brand’s salvation, but while orders for the Griffith have been taken since its debut in 2018, the car could be delayed until 2023.
Nevertheless, the TVR Griffith perfectly embodies the British lightweight sports car. At 1,250 kg, it is lighter than Toyota’s GR86. It also has a Cosworth-tuned 5.0-liter V8 based on the Coyote engine used in the Mustang. In the TVR it is a good 500 hp. To top it off, power is sent to the rear via a Tremec Magnum six-speed manual transmission. The sprint to 60 mph (97 km/h) takes 3.7 seconds.
| engine | Cosworth tuned 5.0 liter V8 |
|---|---|
| power | 500 hp |
| transmission | Tremec Magnum, six-speed manual transmission |
| 0 to 60 km/h | 3.7 seconds |
| top speed | 200km/h |
Read our full TVR Griffith review
Like the current Mustang, the sixth-generation Chevy Camaro thrives on borrowed time. In 2024, the Camaro name will be slapped on an electric sedan, marking the end of the iconic model as we know it. That means you can still buy a Camaro that has two doors, a normally aspirated pushrod V-8, and a six-speed manual transmission.
The current LT1 engine displaces 6.2 liters and is good for 455 hp and 455 pound-feet (617 Nm). It enables a sprint from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 4.3 seconds. It is worth noting that from the great American trio (Mustang, Camaro, Challenger), the Chevy is the closest thing to a real sports car. It’s also the least practical.
| engine | 6.2 liter naturally aspirated V8 engine |
|---|---|
| power | 455 hp |
| torque | 455 LB FT |
| transmission | Six-speed manual gearbox |
| 0 to 60 km/h | 4.3 seconds |
Read our full Chevrolet Camaro SS review
This includes things like yellow brake calipers, bronze wheels, special leather seats, etc.
One of the most anticipated cars of 2022 is without a doubt the Nissan Z, finally replacing the great but aging 370Z. Based on the same proven chassis and even with the same six-speed manual gearbox as its predecessor, the Nissan Z embodies the old-school Japanese sports car that enthusiasts crave. The only difference is the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6, which we first saw on the Infiniti Q50 and Q60 RedSport models.
With 400 horsepower and 350 pound-feet (475 Nm), the new Z is said to hit 60 mph (97 km/h) in around 4.4 seconds. What’s even better is that the car uses proven technology from other performance models from Nissan and Infiniti, which means plenty of aftermarket support.
| engine | 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 |
|---|---|
| power | 400 hp |
| torque | 350 LB FT |
| transmission | Six-speed manual gearbox |
| 0 to 60 km/h | 4.4 seconds |
Read our full Nissan Z review
The rear-engine sports car from Germany needs no introduction. However, the 911 has also become “fatter” and more complicated over the years. Despite this, the 911 still delivers uncompromising performance, which is particularly emphasized in the GT3 model. Like the 718 Cayman GT4 of yesteryear, the 911 GT3 packs a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six, except here it makes 503 hp and 470 Nm (347 lb-ft).
In addition, the 911 GT3 is also available with a six-speed manual gearbox, in which case the sprint from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) takes 3.7 seconds – around 0.5 seconds slower than a PDK-equipped one GT3. That said, Porsche still gives you options with the 911 GT3, which is commendable.
| engine | 4.0 liter six-cylinder naturally aspirated engine |
|---|---|
| power | 503 hp |
| torque | 347 LB FT |
| transmission | Six-speed manual gearbox |
| 0 to 60 km/h | 3.7 seconds |
Read our full review of the Porsche 911 GT3
However, those specs are a good match for the cars the Emira will compete against
Like the Nissan Z of yesteryear, this one has yet to go on sale – Emira’s debut is slated for late 2022. The Lotus Emira is very different from what the brand has given us before. It’s more upscale, sophisticated and high-tech. It’s technically a mini Lotus Evija with an internal combustion engine. Emira is available in two flavors: an AMG-derived 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder mated to a DCT transmission, and a 3.5-liter supercharged Toyota V-6 mated to a six-speed manual is.
Because of the latter, Emira makes the list. The Toyota-derived V-6 isn’t new, but it’s a tried and tested unit. In the Emira, it’s rated at 400 hp and 317 pound-feet (430 Nm). This lightest version of the Lotus Emira weighs 1,405 kg (3,097 pounds).
| engine | 3.5 liter supercharged Toyota V-6 |
|---|---|
| power | 400 hp |
| torque | 317 LB FT |
| transmission | Six-speed manual transmission |
| Weight | 3,097 pounds |
Read our full review of the Lotus Emira
Gordon Murray T50
The McLaren F1 is still one of the most iconic hypercars ever built. Its creator decided to develop a spiritual successor that is even better in every way
From the creator of the legendary McLaren F1 comes a modern spiritual successor. The Gordon Murray T50 is a modern take on an old-school hypercar. Despite the start of production sometime in the first quarter of 2022, all 100 units have already been sold. Even if they weren’t, the $3.0 million asking price is too much for most.
Like the McLaren F1, the GM T50 is a technological marvel. Engineers managed to make it even lighter – 2,173 pounds (986 kg) versus 2,509 pounds (1,136 kg) in F1. The Gordon Murray T50 is powered by a 4.0-liter naturally aspirated Cosworth V-12 engine that revs at 12,000 rpm and produces 654 hp and 467 Nm (344 lb-ft). It’s also mated to a six-speed manual, just like the original McLaren F1.
| engine | 4.0-liter naturally aspirated Cosworth V-12 |
|---|---|
| power | 654 hp |
| torque | 344 LB FT |
| transmission | Six-speed manual gearbox |
| Weight | 2,173 pounds |
Read our full review of the Gordon Murray T50
