pascal

Chances are that your wife won't drive the car much anyway, like one member already posted.
She'll find other things on the car that she doesn't like, real quick like.
So, put her out of the equation.

Your choice now, should be determined by how much stop and go traffic versus fluid traffic your daily commute is.
But since you're buying this car for fun, the manual is the way to go.

BruceH

Get the auto. It's a stout transmission. I've repeated this story a few times and will repeat it again. A few weeks ago I was at the track and a guy I know had just bought a 2011 GT auto for his wife. He had a tune from our local tuner and drag radials on the car. His wife made consistant 12.3 second passes at 114 mph. The auto is faster than the manual and it's easier to drive. There's also no clutch to burn up.

Taskiss

^This.

It's not just your car. I'm in the same position, exactly. My wife told me to get what I want, that it'll be my car (I bought her a 2006 RAM, which was her dream vehicle) but when I asked her if she'd ever drive it if it had a stick she said no. We each have a daily driver car and the kids are out of college, so the Mustang will be for me... I can rationalize getting the stick, but...

I'll be getting the auto.

People can make a lot of mistakes in life, but leaning towards being a true partner with their spouse and leaning away from attachments to objects doesn't seem to be in that category.

Revenge

I like it guys, I had her read everything so far. Keep it coming.

JIM5.0

Is she a cutie? If she is, tell her that I said I think she is hot! (J/K, just trying to help you butter her up so she would let you get your 'Stang!)

No matter which one you get, do let her give it a drive. If you do go for a stick, let her ride the clutch, especially if she is not used to a Ford clutch and how fast it nearly instantaneously engages. Better to ride the clutch and wear out a part that is meant to wear out rather than having to replace u-joints and other drivetrain parts before their due time.

pascal

You're talking drag racing here Bruce, where the auto prevails but some folks don't take their car to a 1/4 mile track and never will.
And traffic light racing won't appeal them either.

Then, in a perfect world, you have twisties...

808muscle

As a drag racer there is no question for me, auto FTW. But a six shooter is fun to drive around town except you live in a high traffic area. Go for the auto, get a tune, some upgraded gears and you will love how it feels.

As far as pleasing the wife. I am the wrong dude to ask. My girl has never driven any of my vehicles in the six years we have been together. I think she is scared as they are so loud! LOL

BruceH

I've had a one track mind the last few years

gothand

Was in the same boat today. My wife, however, does not mind a manual and said to get whatever I wanted. With that said, she did offer her opinion that I would be happier with an auto due to my commute, which can be tedious most of the time. I ended up getting the 5.0L auto, figuring I can drive the '65 if I want to bang gears. Win-win.