I wouldn't know how much the 4 cylinder Accord has because I got the V6. It has more power than I ever need. I drove the 03 V6 and it doesn't have much more juice at 2k to 2.5k rpm for me to regret not waiting. The different is not noticeable until 5k rpm, which my car rarely needs.

I know auto and manual are night and day. I just think you should keep your car as a nice commuter and family vehicle. If you want something that will jet, wait a few years and get a slightly used RSX with 200 hp when they come out with a faster one. You will get a super good deal because everyone want to get the new and faster model so they let go of their current model for a song. It is best to buy from a friend , who you know use synthetic oil. My experience is that people who trade in their car often or early tend to not car about the critical maintenance such as oil, brake, transmission because they are not planning to keep the vehicle, so they rather change the oil and filter at Walmart for 15 bucks whenever they feel like it. They still wash and wax the car as if they're going to car show, but that's cosmetic.

 

Get the new one, the 04's are sweet, and an automatic is so boring, get the stick!

 

I prefer having a paddle shift like those on Ferrari and even Toyota MR2. I like the one on the BMW M3 the best, it has the most amazing stick shift out there. I think traditional stick shift is a distraction and nuisance in today driving.

Honestly, the traditional stick shift doesn't fit my driving style where I got the "to the left" lean and I use my right hand as the steering wheel controller. My brother got a MR2 with that SMT transmission and it is hot. I wanted to get the 03 one, but Toyota dealerships are the worst place to go buy cars because they do like making good deal. I couldn't find Carmax around here so I still have that down payment laying around. I am thinking of getting something small for daily commute because my 02 Accord is very hard to park parallel in city.

 

I say you should get the 5 speed coupe looks nice.. very nice and 5 speed is a lot more fun to drive.