Not that any body is going to read this because this thread has gone on too long and started off with bad information, but yea you can make an auto go faster than a manual down a straight line, do you see top fuel dragsters with a clutch pedal???????and i've never heard of an automatic (except that worn out POS you're still driving) miss a shift. but when turning left right whatever (road course) you don't have the control over rpm range (putting it where the power is) try holding your auto at 6k in first gear through a corner, ain't gonna happen, the mechanics of an automatic transmission will take over and shift for you.