Not only should they be faster but they should also be SOOOO MUCH MORE FUN TO DRIVE This SVX is my first automatic and I have to say I HATE it Not the SVX but the fact it's automatic. You know... I test drove a brand new '03 WRX one time and I loved it. It was a 5-speed. Do you know how the SVX compares to the WRX when running on stick? Have you actually ridden in a 5-speed SVX? I can't wait for the NW Seafood meet so I can maybe hitch a ride in a 5-speed and see how it rides

Nick