I'm a fan of manuals myself, but I do have to admit that autos serve very well in most classes of drag racing. They let engine builders go for large hi-rpm horsepower without having to worry about bogging the engine (hi-stall converters) and shift much more quickly and consistently than a stick, maximizing time with power to the wheels and minimizing chances of breaking out or missing the time for bracket racers.
I have to wonder about autos with higher EPA ratings...does it translate to reality or is it because the PCMs are "gaming" the drive cycle? I still believe that it would be easier to get better mileage through altered driving habits out of a stick than a manual.
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