It's not about how fast you can go, it's the fact that you're actually driving the car instead of just riding along in it.

Interesting, the way you post sounds like you are 15 years old. You can't be any older than 25... How old are you, really?

I prefer Manuel.

1. manual. it makes commuting a bit more fun.
2. manual. i want to be able to teach my kids to drive manual transmission before all the manuals die out

Auto because fuggin racecar!

Paddle shifting isn't the future, it's already the standard (pun intended).
 

I had been driving nothing but sticks for over 30 years, driving schools, auto crossed for several years, etc. In this level of car, for nonprofessional drivers, you can't compete with this car's auto, so that's how I bought mine. Time and again, I will mop your butt on a racetrack with my BRZ automatic. So much engineering and technology goes into not only the mechanicals, but also the software. I will have perfect shifts every time i flick the paddles. Every time. Paddles that turn with the wheel, like this mean i always have both hands on the wheel. Always. When was the last time you saw an F1 driver shift any other way? Other racing series are now also paddle-shifters exclusively. If you think you're better, faster or smarter than these top-performing men and women, you need some serious schooling. And, in traffic (my BRZ is also my daily driver) nothing beats the auto mode. My other cars are manuals and I love them too, but the future has already sprinted past the manual driver. Wake up and smell the ATF. :thumbup: . :)

I test drove the auto and was quite impressed for it not being a dual clutch. It was vey quick shifting for what it is. I love F1 and the amazingly fast shifts. If there was a DC auto in this car I would most likely get that.

ill go with auto, due to convenient, mpg, traffic (Los angeles). If I feel to go back on my teens day driving manual, ill just use the paddle shift.

I chose the automatic because I find it more convenient for my own personal comforts for my average daily trips and the traffic I drive in. Even with automatic, the FR-S is a great car to drive.
I can drive manual and do know why many drivers prefer it over automatic. I do often get in the mood to drive manual and wish I had manual, therefore I am glad the FR-S auto also has a "manual mode" and can shift gear with the shift lever or paddles. Since I have only one car, I chose to have the automatic. IF I could have two cars, one would most likely be manual.
I just don't understand the elitism that many manual drivers have over automatic drivers as if somehow preferring to shift is more macho or mandatory that the only way to drive a car is to shift gears yourself.
I can drive manual and have owned and driven manual cars, but I never looked down at automatic cars or drivers. It just seems childish.

BTW, we all know how the cupholders in the FR-S/GT86 are not the best designed. So it is good to be able to have automatic and have one hand free to hold my beer......That was a joke....just a joke.

I know how to drive an automatic but I never wish I had one.