Oh I love threads like this one.... mwuhhahahahaaaa! :devil:
Actually, there is almost no difference in performance numbers. The auto vs. the manual in the 0-60 is identical. And, when I race my RS in SCCA events, there is also nearly no difference. Ask anyone who I drive with - I am right up there with the fastest RS guys. And I am usually faster than many of the manuals - but a lot has to do with driver skill. You can shift the auto like the manual. The 1/4 mile is ALSO nearly identical for the two. So it really becomes personal preference.
My reasons for an automatic:
1. I have an arm injury - shifting is painful
2. Traffic - commuting should be as easy as possible

3. Reliability - I feel the auto trans last a long time when abused (moderately)
4. Ability to modify - the auto is electronically controlled, and if I ever get my act together I might start messing with it.
5. You can shift the auto just like a manual and have nearly the same control (No, not the same "fine" downshifting abilities of the manual, but decent for daily driving.)
However, the REAL question you should be asking yourself is THIS:
Are you going turbo?
If you are going turbo, get an automatic. The manual transmissions simply cannot handle as much power as the automatic can. End of story, unless you want to spend many thousands of dollars upgrading your manual to a full-dog box and other asinine things (IMO!!!) :lol: