The only thing superior in a manual to an auto trans is engagement and having more control over your car. If youre after a quick launch, auto trans is superior every time unless you are clutch dumping and even then its prob more superior to getting power to the pavement (vs to the tires). Just practice a steady (go slow and work your way to faster) clutch release paired with giving the car more gas as you simultaneously engage the clutch. Takes practice, months really. From 1st to 2nd hear id suggest you rev the rpms into the 5k range if not 5.5k range and you just gotta practice it. You have a lot of torque in 1st and 2nd so they are more sensitive when you shift