How much slower is the automatic then the manual? Does the automatic WRX come with a shiftronic/tiptronic type thing, where you can switch to a semi-manual mode if you want?

I'd love the manual, but I do ALOT of traffic driving, go over alot of speedbumps, etc. so if the automatic tranny isn't too bad, I might go that root.

 

Automatic WRX is NOT shiftronic....it has an "automatic" power mode that engages when accelerator is pressed rapidly. I'm not sure about performance numbers, but I would estimate around 6.5 second 0-60 time (vs 5.6 for manual) Still pretty quick. The dealer I got my WRX from was offering an auto for around $3000 less than the stick (had 1000 miles on it) but good luck finding one. I'm in traffic a lot too but I can't fathom having an automatic WRX....seems unethical.....:-)