IMO the manual is the only way to go with a sports car. My first new car was my 1971 SS Camaro with 4 on the floor. The only time I ever drove a stick shift was my friend's 1960 Ford Falcon with 3 on the column and you had to double clutch each gear. I had no problems learning. If you do a lot of bumper to bumper driving, you may want to go with the automatic. If not, you will have tons more fun with the manual.
