Sport mode also locks up the torque converter a bit earlier and allows for a bit more engine braking. Feels more direct and quite better, but IMO it's unnecessary for normal driving. This sport mode however, is still fully automatic.

Manual mode means you have relative control of when it shifts gears. Feel like starting off in 2nd? no problem. Want to hold 3rd gear thru a sweeper? Sure thing. However, I say "relative control" because it still upshifts prematurely in 1st (and maybe 2nd) gear, will upshift that the redline, and won't allow a downshift that might overrev the engine. There is also a bit of a lag between shifter versus actual gear change, although that seems to decrease a bit once you use it more.