i beg to differ about an automatic shifting faster. i have seen plenty of vids of 400+ hp cars not loseing an inch when they shift. and you know you gotta be pretty damn quick not to lose ground on a 400+hp car in full thorttle. also driving a manual in traffic is not that big of a deal. once you get used to it you can take off with out even have to give it gas. i could also save more gas with a manual. autos aint bad and once you learn to drive them good you can keep up with the manual guys. but being able to completly control your gears, work the clutch, hit some smoth gears and just being able to shift really make the whole car experence much better.
