I praise those who're willing to sacrifice their own interest and put their SO first and go with an automatic FWD/AWD instead of a manual RWD as a family vehicle. Or letting their SO drive a newer, safer vehicle, and them driving an old beater instead. In terms of safety factor though, I think a manual forces you to be more alert of your surroundings. Always thinking about what gear you're in and what your next move(s) are.
Gas mileage is no longer a concern, more about safety, control, and fun factor. If you like to revv, a manual gets worse mileage as you are shifting at optimal power points and not fuel efficiency points.
People generally think it's such a waste of a car to have a big engine, loads of torque, RWD and be an automatic. They want you to drive it the way it was meant to be driven and experience the thrill, but not everybody is a car enthusiast or care about anything but the emblem on the hood of the car.
Depending on your patience, where you live and traffic, driving a manual may not be one's idea of fun.
I could really care less what the hell you drive, as long as you don't hit me on the road, or interfere with my driving.
I see people, generally older generation, driving expensive BMWs, AUDIs, Lexus' going way slower than traffic and have the response time of a turtle, being indecisive, I say why bother as sooner or later they'll either run into somebody or something or somebody else will run into them and ruin a perfectly good car. Might as well drive a beater. But I know, I know, it's their money and they can do whatever the hell they want with it. Just kinda feel sorry for the car, that's all. lol
