No turbo, no rwd, and manual?

I recently got an 8th generation Honda Accord EX-L V6 6spd. Manual. My friend loves it but obviously doesn't want to buy the same car.

other than beamers, is there anything out there that fits this description and is below $45k brand new?

-no turbo (preferably 6 cylinder). Doesn't want to have to use premium gas during commute to work.

-manual only. Like me, he prefers a manual transmission.

-FWD or AWD. We live in western PA. Snow happens here.

-250hp+/-. He's currently driving a fantastic '13 Acura TSX but is disappointed with the 200hp it puts out.

BMW is seriously the only one that offers anything close to this. Everything else is turbo or automatic and i've given up searching lol.

Why no turbo? A 4 cylinder turbo (like a Focus ST) will get better gas mileage than your V6 Accord, enough to offset the higher price of premium.

And BMW doesn't currently meet your criteria either, they no longer sell any cars with naturally aspirated sixes, they are turbo fours, turbo sixes, etc.

That said - Acura has the TL SH AWD with a 6 speed. Not a turbo, but I believe premium is still recommended.

It sounds to me like a Focus ST or VW GTI would fit the bill nicely for your friend, just lose the no turbo mindset. More expensive fuel is worth it if you are using less of it.

Or, just get an Accord - who cares if you have the same car? Just get a different color - a good car is a good car

A better question is, why isn't your friend doing this research?

I'd take a turbo-4 over a V6 100% of the time. Better fuel economy, better powerband, more power. Personally, I don't like front wheel drive, so you couldn't pay me to get anything like yours… But for the size, a used Legacy 2.5GT Turbo would be the best option. Faster, more fuel efficient, all around a better car.