Hi Bob,
I do prefer manual transmissions, but that's just my opinion. I've been lucky enough to have owned some very nice Pagodas. I've got the car hobby bug, and so does my oldest son and his son! There are a couple I wish I had never let go. My favorite was a factory black, 69 4-speed ordered with cognac leather. it was stunning. I sold it to Alex Dearborn many years ago and he thought, at that time, that I was crazy to sell it. I wish I had listened to Alex. I have never owned a 250SL, so I can only compare 230's and 280's. Honestly, I can not tell the difference in performance between those engines. A 230SL, to me, has the same pep as a 280SL, (both manuals). The automatics that I've owned also seem very similar to each other. I like the simplicity of the earlier cars. But again, that's just my opinion.
Thanks Bob