I'm not a big fan of automatics, personally. I think you can get more use out of a smaller engine, if it has manual transmission. You can always downshift when more power is needed, or spin the engine up if you need to accelerate quickly. The same size engine, as an automatic, feels like it has a lot less power IMO.

Well, in my case I drive a VW beetle. If you don't have a stick, I think it's recommended to get one with turbo.

Edit: I think the biggest advantage to automatic transmission is that it's much easier to learn. But if you already know how to drive a stick, there's probably no advantage (aside from eating and talking on a cell phone ).