XRAY - Model racing cars

Been a Ford fan all my life, and currently looking into buying a XR8, couple of my mates have said just buy an xr6 turbo there quicker, but I just don't like turbos, I'd rather a V8. Anyway I've been looking around for awhile mainly manual BA's, and I've noticed there not as common. I'm starting to consider just buying an auto, I've never owned an auto and I plan on test driving an auto XR8 soon. In terms of what I want to do with it isn't much, I just want something that's quick and can overtake with little effort (currently own a NA Subaru with a laggy throttle and it's stuffed my gear changing in anything that doesn't have a large flat spot). But yeah just after something quick with plenty of power and grunt, would an auto be good for this or should I lean towards a manual? The car would remain mostly stock except for a twin exhaust set up. So yay or nay?