2016 sport mode vs 2015 auto-manual?

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2015 CX-5 Touring FWD Soul Red
I know there have been many questions posted on buying a 2016 vs 2015 model, but I wanted to ask specifically about the sport mode. I test drove a 2016 on Saturday, and I really enjoyed the sport mode, but isn't that something you could replicate somewhat with the 'manual' mode in a 2015 automatic? Also, since it seems to stay at higher rpms during sport mode, wouldn't that be bad for the engine somehow down the line? (Obviously, I don't know much about engines...) Does anyone have any complaints about sport mode?

Right now a 2015 Touring (with all the incentives and haggling power available) is more in my budget, although a 2016 Sport might be around the same price. Would getting a 2016 Sport, which includes the 2.5L and sport mode be worth it, or would a 2015 Touring be just as good? I'm looking to buy by the end of March.
 
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