my last 2 cars were manual and I always told myself I'd buy manuals until I was an old man. but in the last few weeks I've felt annoyed having to shift, as if I wouldn't have minded just pressing the gas and going.

Driving an auto sucks.

First of all, the ability to drive a manual isn't anything to brag about, it's so damn easy. Manual cars have been the smarter choice because automatic transmissions sucked ass for so many years. Plus, driving a manual is pretty fun. With a lower horsepower car (250 and under) I would probably still get a manual to get the most out of the engine.

With higher horsepower, it is less relevant. My S4 has 340 horsepower, is tiptronic and is 5% slower than the manual version. Paddle shifting is a blast and the delivery of power on this car is so smooth and amazing. I drive 20 minutes on the highway every day and a lot of time in traffic lights. I don't care what anyone says, there is no extra driving pleasure to be gained from driving a manual between traffic lights rather than a tip. When do I miss the manual? Freeway onramps and offramps, that's about it. In many driving situations using the clutch pedal is just extra work, not extra fun.

If I lived in a more rural area with wide open country roads, or could take my car to a race track I'd probably still drive a manual. I'm not putting down the manual at all. They're still the most precise way to control the engine. I'm just saying a modern "automatic" is a viable alternative and any reasonable person could admit that.

Whether we like it or not the trend for automakers is with clutch pedal-less autos: RS6 is tip only; Audi is replacing the tiptronic with DSG in all future models; BMW M5 is only in SMG (no clutch pedal); most Mercedes' are auto only; Ferrari sells 80% automatics (90% for the Scaglietti), etc. etc. There are several people in the S4 forum that owned manual Porsche 911's and are very happy with the tip. Nothing girly about it, it just comes down to where you live, how you like to drive, etc. I drove a manual for 18 years (I guess that makes me "old") and swore I would never get an automatic.

You have to test drive it and see what you think. You might be surprised. But regardless, only you can decide. You can't listen to me or anyone else on this forum.

Much quicker and smoother.
Should give it at try.

We need more people like us that drive stick so that they dont disappear forever. Its already in question that they won't offer the stick in the new 3.2 A4. Help us keep the clutch.