"Manual transmission is better" I heard this since 30 years ago. However my experience is a little bit different. 20 years ago I bought Accord 2.2 LX 5 speed Manual. Guess what? I tried very hard for over 2.5 years and then one day I suddenly realized "Manual is slower and my Accord is slower than Civic 1.6 4 speed Auto!?!" At least for me. Maybe you experiences are totally different... GOOD LUCK!!!