CTS-V auto vs manual

[SBDave]

I feel like this might be a biased crowd (hahaha) but I'll ask anyways... I've located two 2011 CTS-V Wagon's for sale. A manual and an automatic. Anyone have experience with both setups? Also how is the visibility in the Wagon? I sat in a coupe and sedan this morning and visibility seems fairly poor. I assume the Wagon will be similar.

My background: I have no experience driving high horsepower cars. I grew up driving a stick (does an old vw baja bug count?) and currently have a 73 Cuda with a small 318 engine and a "Slap Stick" automatic, so it can be full auto or you can control when it shifts. The Cuda is low on power now but the plan is to build a stroker small block and convert it to a 4speed OD. Right now I drive the Cuda daily and would be using the CTS-V on any longer drives or in bad weather. I live in Santa Barbara CA and consider a long drive around 350miles (to Oakland, Mammoth or Vegas). I do go down to LA every so often and imagine sitting in traffic with the manual could suck.

Thoughts/opinions on auto vs manual and the car in general? Any helpful reviews people have read?

Sorry for the long story and questions but this is a pretty big purchase for me and I'm starting to get nervous haha

Thanks y'all!
Dave