From a racing stand point, auto all the way. Even the best drivers miss a gear every now and then. Automatic tranny doesn't usually have that problem...
From a fun-to-drive stand point, I'd definitely go 5 speed.
Stoplight to stoplight, I'd think the auto, but the 5% power advantage to the manual, it's driver and tires more than car, especially the longer it gets. Hilly and curvy over a couple miles? Manual all the way given a good driver.
Me vs. unknown driver? I'd bet on me in my car. Not saying I won't lose, but I'd still pick me
Posted via Mobile Device specify dig or roll? auto in a dig but the power loss makes me wonder, thinkin the manual might could edge past a little into 3rd. i love being able to keep rpms in my power range ready to pull at full boost, selective gearing ftw
C'mon, there isn't THAT much of a power loss through the auto as compared to the 5spd. My car dyno'd 236rwhp/281rwtq with an auto and the mods in my sig. I doubt a 5spd is going to be much higher.
Using an argument saying that there is a 5% difference means that my car should be making around 250rwhp with only a K&N FIPK and flows through a 5spd? I don't think so.