I am fairly confidant I am lucky enough that my wife is going to let me get a 6.1. I am trading in my f-150 (that is paid for) so that should bring it down by alot. The reason I ask about the auto/manual is when i was younger i had a mustang and i remember how good it sounded being a manual when your taking off (trust me i know the challenger will sound better). I just want to know if you get the same sound out of the challenger, and if it is acceptable to go to the drag strip and have some fun in a automatic?