The manual transmission is disappointing. Because the Miata shifts brilliantly, requiring little movement and providing nearly perfect feedback to the driver, it could simply be that all else falls short. But 6's deficiencies seem more than that. The feel is notchy, as if something's gotten very slightly hung up very briefly. It's a reminder that the shift linkage on a front-drive car goes through contortions to move the gears.
But drive an Acura RSX and you'll know that shifting a front-wheel-drive car can feel fine. Also, when shifting the 6 up into second gear, the lever almost pops out of first, as if it weren't fully engaged; happens every time. Sporty types often want to shift themselves, so the gearbox should be a high point, not an aggravation.[/b]