We ordered the 5-spd manual -- granted, we have the base S70 with all its 162hp, not the smokin' T5. Since buying, we've been given an identical S70, but with the 5-spd automatic, as a service loaner by the dealership.

In my opinion, the manual just flat-out rubs the automatic's face in the dirt. Our car is noticeably quicker to freeway speed, without needing to wind the engine as highly. Our car does cruise about 500rpm higher @ 75mph, but that 500rpm puts it smack in the middle of the responsive zone of the motor, and we have oodles of power to pass with.

The manual shifts ok...about average. Not the positive "thunk-thunk" of a Beemer, and not the "flap-flap" of a Metro. I shake my head every time I hear somebody say "...but I drive in stop-n-go traffic and need an automatic." It's a myth. I drive in stop-n-go, and I've had the misfortune of sitting through Chicago for 2+ hours in gridlock with our manual. It's simple...put the car in neutral when stationary, and take your foot off the clutch. Presto, no leg fatigue.

With the manual, we gain a mpg or two, more control in the snow, reduced acceleration times, a less-complicated drivetrain, and a sportier exhaust note...the motor just kinda bleats like a sheep with the auto.

I suppose it doesn't hurt that I'm not the average cell-phone-usin', coffee-swillin', donut-chompin, newspaper-readin', shavin'-while-drivin', flabby-overweight, can't-stand-to-walk-an-extra-ten-feet typical American. I like to drive my car. If I wanted to sit on a couch, ignore everything around me and play "giddy-up" with a steering wheel on the way to work...I'd have bought a Buick or a Lexus. <-- visualize a vocal tone of scorn when reading those two marques... =)

If you're askin' me "manual or automatic," I'll always tell you to take the manual. Personally, I think people who take the time to craft a really long-winded justification of their automatic, and find obscure facts to make them think it's better...are jealous because they can't drive a manual. =:O