Autos are faster off the line if you're racing because you don't have to mess with shifting or worrying about maybe missing a gear. But Autos are just more convenient... Plus all the work gets done for you!
I drove my boyfriend's 02 Z28 a lot (it was an M6) and absolutely loved it... but after 4 days I was like "Okay... I miss my auto now..." But it might just be because I'm used to the automatic transmission... My new Camaro will definitely be an Automatic...
Especially since I want to go to the track and make a few passes and see how she does.