For me, I will always seek out a manual if available.

Aesthetically there are just some joys in a manual you simply can not duplicate in a auto. Downshifting correctly for one can be down much more smoothly than a auto and you defiantly have more control of car speed with gear selection.

As for as driving style you have Heel-&-Toe driving, something I have been practicing since I learned what it was 15 years ago. There is simply no other thrill than driving at a brisk pace threw a twisty road and nailing every downshift perfectly, its a definite measure of harmony between car and driver IMHO.

Traffic does sometimes become a pain in the leg, literally but that is what I call exercise. I have found that picking the right gear (one that requires pedal movement to move forward) and not rushing to the bumper ahead of you will often avoid 50% of shifting in traffic and cause less yo-yoing behind you.

For durability sake, Mercedes kind of makes the point moot by building such hardy examples of both? Maintenance comes regardless, with the manual you simply have the chance to DIY the repairs to a greater degree and save a little $$ as well.

[Edited by roas on 03-01-2001 at 02:36 PM]