I have lots of experience here. I had an auto fwd tsi that I didnt like too much mostly cause it was FWD so I swapped it to 5 speed which was very simple btw and was happy but I will say the auto doesnt miss no shifts and a 5 speed definatly puts less drag on the motor but I also have a 97 awd tsi that I plan to go all out with the auto they seem to be good trannies to make power on just make sure it stays cool with an aftermarket cooler. For FWD I would have to say 5 speed no doubt but for awd its either way for me..