most merc designs are like that ... more money to buy a faster car does not guarantee more driving skill ... hence the faster mercs have automatics that are much better than what you think of as an automatic ... i once was very anti automatic too, until i drove a properly built automatic.

so enjoy the slow car (yes it is slow compared to your old GTO, is it not ?) and take some corners ... then put the money somewhere more useful ... hmmm the car may last longer that way too.

PS i drove a slow 6 speed as well and am quite happy with it now ... once i got over the speed bug i had from the skittle 4 before it and my turbo r/t before that...