I just bought a 2019 Si this weekend. I don't understand the comparison because I didn't buy the Si for the features. I bought it because I wanted a fun car to drive. For me it's like wanting a soda versus a Gatorade. One makes you burp, the other gives you energy...or something like that.
I haven't driven a stick in six years but was surprised it came back to me like it was yesterday when I test drove it.
Bye the way, when I was 16, my dad made me learn how to drive stick for safety reasons in case I ever had to drive someone home from a party because they were drinking. It actually came in handy a few times. My kids (11 &9) have never ridden in a car with a MT so they are really perplexed at what I'm now doing in the drivers seat.