I would have gone for the manual but, like some of those above, i live in a big city (New York City), and, sadly, a stick in bumper to bumper traffic is not a lot of fun, esp when it's 95 degrees out (we use the car more in the summer than any other time).

I think there's no question its superior (from a performance standpoint) and a hell of a lot more fun to drive.....Just depends on your usage, and whether you mind sitting with your foot on the clutch in first gear for an hour or so.