:werd: a manual will only last longer if its driven by a capabable driver its entire life.
Automatics are good because they simple for beginner drivers, elderly, and the less coordinated people in the world. Automatics have no clutch that require periodic maitenence. BUT automatics are not as efficient economicly as a 5 speed, and unless its a high end transmission, tend to have very poor gear ratios, making accelertaion potentialy slower then that of an manual.
Now 5 speeds, 5 speeds are more for the enthusiest, and frugal minded of society. They can be more economical, and also allow for the best use of a motors potential power. However, the clutch, depending on the driver, will need to be serviced more then once in the lifetime of a manual transmission.