Manual Transmissions Often Superior to Automatics in Iconic Cars

A transmission can make or break a car. The Fiesta and Focus's DCT was plagued with issues that Ford had to settle in a lawsuit.

The Mustang's MT82 manual had durability problems and was not even rated for the Coyote engine's torque.

The Prowler was let down by its 4-speed slushbox automatic. A proper manual could have made it a great driver's car.

Oldsmobile's 2-speed Super Turbine 300 auto was a dealbreaker on a test drive of a '66 Cutlass.

The RX-8's auto lowered redline, reduced power, and accelerated engine failure compared to the excellent 6-speed manual.