German, German, German (picking up on a trend here?). I hate the American Highway system, too flat and straight, I much prefer the old rural roads out by where I live in Ohio. Many just follow creeks or rivers or old cart paths, much more fun to drive when you have to work at it the entire time. German cars handle great, my little sister's 18 year old BMW 320i 1.75 Litre 4 cyl (before I get flammed for being a " spoiled rich kid", the car cost under $3K and has manual everything except the 3-speed autobox) handles better than my mother's 1998 Nissan Maxima SE, though the 101 HP Bimmer has a spot of bother in the straights. If I can't get an M5 when I'm older, I'll get a Honda S2000 because I love high revving engines. My 13 year old Accord still runs best between 3000 and redline. Personal preferance, but I just love that type of power curve.
Zenmervolt
Shifting is a joy, learn it, love it, live it.