For me, it's the total driving experience of both the clutch and the stick that makes all the difference. Feathering the clutch just right till it's perfect is like playing your favorite sport...usually room for improvement, but sooooo sweet when it's a perfect execution.

I learned to drive with a 3 speed 66 Mustang, and although I've driven (pseudo) luxury cars that were automatics, just being able to change gears, and not find that sweet spot on the clutch, on the Crossfire autostick isn't enough (for me, anyway).

As a person who likes to challenge the guys in their Vettes with a little game of Off the Line at lights, I'm not real happy with the clunky transition from first to second, but once you're reving into third, it's pure heaven and wayyyy too much fun!

I'd never go with anything less than a manual on any sports car (I can't believe some don't even offer the manual option). And I drive in bumper to bumper traffic every weekday morning for an hour...its worth it!

Just my 2 cents