Engagement is not measurable on a spec sheet
A manual can create more involvement at ordinary speeds. That matters when enjoyment is the main purpose.
Faster does not always mean better
Many automatics shift faster, but speed is only one part of the ownership experience.
Traffic changes the calculation
A commute that is tolerable in one transmission can become exhausting in another.
Platform matters
Some cars have excellent manuals and mediocre automatics; others are engineered around an automatic or dual-clutch transmission.
Resale cuts both ways
Scarcity can support manual values, but it can also shrink the buyer pool.
Choose the version you will use
The right transmission is the one that makes you drive and enjoy the car rather than avoid it.
Final recommendation
The most useful next step is not reading another generic opinion. Define the exact configuration you want, establish the total budget, and inspect a real example using a repeatable process.