I have owned both ,

The 2008 5 speed : Allowed for much better control of the turbo , It was way faster 70 - 100 mph. due to an x-tra gear, It had a dam near useless 1st gear , with the B&M short shifter it was a joy for close to 100,000 miles .

The 2010 automatic will kill the 5 speed 0 - 70 mph , It is much easier to launch , transmission is silent , And i don't have to shift 5000 times in chicago trafic each work day !

They are both a differant beast , If it's a toy - Get the 5 speed , If your gonna put 20000 miles a year on it in traffic , The auto is a no brainer . IMO

 

Wise advised!


As for the comment before about the auto pulling both wheels. It can happen but it depends on the road surface as it is not a true locker or posi effect. Most FWD cars can do this if the conditions are right. Just not many FWD cars can spin their tires at 35 MPH.

 

I have owned both auto SS and manual SS also. I honestly wish i could have both. Auto for drag racing and 5-speed for gear throwing fun. the auto felt a lot more comfortable. the 5-speed tranny in these cars feels cheap like others have said.

 

Spoon: If your still on the fence, as to which one you would like, if you contact me[I'm in Hayward, ca.-only a few miles from you], and I'll let you drive my 09 SS auto, for a comparison, before to make a mistake and but a 5 speed. I drove a tuned 5sp, and was not impressed.

It's a proven fact, and not even debatable, that a SS, tuned, auto trans, puts the power down better, is easier to drive, and is quicker than a 5sp, with same power.
A SS auto, can be modded to go fast, with less $, and is easier on parts, as noted in the above posts. I autocross mine, and the stock brakes are plenty sufficient, if you know how to drive fast. Brembo's can to had, if you just have to have.
Me thinks [being from the bay area also] that you would be better suited with the auto, in the long run.
Want to go for a ride, gimme a call. Robert Mullins-510-537-1098