Just test drove a standard VIII and an MR yesterday. First, I have to say that the Bilstein shocks on the MR do drive better. Not necessarily softer, but smoother. I can't believe how crisp the handling was in either car. The streets I test drove on were fairly well paved and both vehicles had a tinge of oversteer.
Did I feel a difference between the 5 and 6 spd? There wasn't much difference minus the obvious RPM and gear ratio being different. I don't think it pulled much harder so I would guess 1-3 gears are rather close between the 5 and 6 spd.
I have to agree with some of the posts on the forums. The interior does feel "plasticy" and, dare I say, cheap at times, but it's liveable. There are other vehicles on the market that will get you more creature comforts for less, but it's a personal battle between performance and luxury. Interior room was spacious.
I was surprised, but the seats were very comfortable for a "race bucket". Grip was very good and side bolsters weren't intruding during normal driving.
Below 3500RPM ... feels a little anemic, but past that and hold on tight!. The clutch seemed to hold up well during hard launches and shifts. Both vehicles had >15K miles.
All in all ... I was very impressed and I think an MR has my name on it.

 

Usual story.....

Congrats if you get it