Auto vs. manual - have you driven both? What are your feelings? I have a base manual coupe. I didn't care for the manual at first, but, the computer figures out how you drive after a while. The shifts get smoother along the way - or maybe I'm getting used to the car. Anyway, you can always start in 2nd gear in certain situations without a problem. I just think the more sensory input the better when you're driving a sports car. If you just want to RIDE in a car, get the automatic.