This is NOT a 'which is better...' question, but what about volume? Anyone guess what the ratio of manual to auto cars is in the UK? My guess would be someting like 80% of cars on the road are manual, 20% auto. Any thoughts?
I'd say you only get a higher percentage of autos when you reach Merc S class or BMW 7 series level. Until then there is the enthusiast watering down the result as opposed to the highly paid executive who has every optional extra available, not because it is needed but because he can afford it.
ratio of manual to auto's on the road would be approximatley 80 to 90 % from my own perspective of motor's i have seen on the roads, however there are many " semi auto " creeping in whch could fall into both area's.