Gearing with the 4 speed has less tolerance to under gearing than with automatic, since there is no convertor to multiply the torque and absorb ignition pulses at low rpm. Another factor in my case is the the lightweight flywheel, if I recall correctly mine is 16lbs, rather than the normal around 30lb unit. Many people seem to like the 2.94 gear coupled with an automatic, for my car the 3.23 just feel right. The engine is "in the zone" on the road at 2700-3200 rpm.
