I have both an automatic in my Duster and a 4-speed in my Dart. The automatic wins bracket races (consistency, easier on parts). The Dart wins on the street in the FUN department. Both are street cars, but I almost always take the Dart for cruises.
I agree, I have had both, and am currently doing a 4 speed conversion in my 69 dart. In my opinion there is simply no comparison to pounding a 4 speed through the gear's versus an auto. I don't care about consistency, I care about how many gears I can get rubber in! :thumrigh: