I have spent a lot of time in both... I really do prefer the performance of the Egear. I don't mind the manual, it is still a great car. I still think that when you step into the world of a super exotic that if you can get a transmission that is not available in any old car it adds a little value to the ownership experience. I have driven it in auto mode and I hate it! I have never been in auto mode for more than a few miles before I switch back to shifting the car myself. Much more fun that way... Good luck, congratulations and no matter what trany you go with you are still going to love it!