Well, I made the switch from a 2000 Audi TT 180Q (Heavily Modified) to a 2004 Crossfire 6 spd (Graphite/Cedar). My wife owns a 2004 Audi TT 225Q Roadster, so based on my experiences I prefer the Crossfire's 6 cyl with its discounted pricing ($25k). I love the TT for it's interior, quattro handling and easy mods. But to put it bluntly... the Crossfire is a more manly car both in style and overall feel than the first generation TT, (however, watch out for the 2nd generation TT). If you must get an auto (cringed!), make it the SRT version only! BTW, The best automatic I ever driven was the TT DSG!