Two automotive icons—each with a manual gearbox—are battling for the crown. The Porsche 911 S/T, a pinnacle GT car, and the Toyota GR Yaris, a rally car for the road, are here to challenge perceptions and deliver thrills.
With only 1,963 units, the Porsche 911 S/T is a diamond in the rough.
- Engine & Weight: 518bhp 4.0-liter flat-six engine, 1,380kg.
- Transmission: Six-speed manual with short throws and reduced-weight components.
- Drive Experience: No rear-wheel steering, pure driving dynamics, blistering performance with a 9,000rpm redline.
- Market Buzz: Prices are already soaring beyond its base of £231,600.
Initially a budget darling, the GR Yaris has evolved.
- Price & Updates: Now starts at £44,250, featuring substantial updates from motorsport insights.
- Performance Upgrades: 1.6-liter turbo three-cylinder with 276bhp, strengthened chassis, redesigned interior.
- Driving Dynamics: Agile, adjustable torque distribution with GR-FOUR modes, sharp handling.
Both cars feature six-speed manuals that inject excitement into every drive. While the Porsche demands finesse with its lightweight clutch, Toyota offers an eight-speed auto option but excels with its manual spirit.
- 911 S/T: Focused on precision, balance, and sensory feedback.
- GR Yaris: Three drive modes with a GR-FOUR knob for flexible power distribution, offering both control and playful oversteer.
- Performance: 0–62mph in 3.7 seconds, top speed of 186mph.
- Experience: Direct steering, balanced handling, and a thrill-inducing high-revving engine.
- Performance: 0–62mph in 5.2 seconds.
- Experience: Maintains its playful character with improved aggression and responsiveness.
The 911 S/T and GR Yaris embody the passion for manuals, offering diverse yet equally engaging experiences. Both cars amplify their manufacturer's dedication to crafting timeless manual driving experiences.
Summary: The Porsche 911 S/T and Toyota GR Yaris, though diverse, embody the joy of manual driving. While the 911 S/T represents Porsche's ultimate GT engineering, the GR Yaris channels rally excitement into everyday roads. Each car showcases the enduring allure and thrill of the manual gearbox in modern automotive design.
 | Interesting comparison. Both cars have their strengths, though the price difference is quite staggering. That said, driving dynamics are what really matter. |
 | I’m curious if the hype will match performance in real-world driving. Marketing often oversells these cars. Let's see how they perform when put to the test. |
