Manual vs. Automatic Transmission?

Question

I live in an area with snowy winters and have always driven a manual transmission. (I like the control provided by a manual when on slick roads.) I am now considering purchasing either a Honda CRV or Subaru Forester and am divided on whether to get a manual or an automatic transmission. What has been your experience with current automatic transmissions on current vehicle models and their control in icy road conditions?

Answer 1

An automatic transmission CAN have a traction control system on it to keep you from spinning your wheels.  That's about the only basic difference I can think of.  Otherwise, I would think the primary difference in safety between the 2 would be in the way that the driver uses them.

Answer 2

I prefer manual transmission on all cars. On any car, the handling will be better in manual than automatic. Plus, manual gets better mileage than automatic.