I've received all kind of info that are contradiction on autos and manuals. Can anyone tell me what makes Manuals faster and also what does have a car geared higher or lower do?

 

In an automatic transmission, you have a torque converter that acts as a clutch. The torque converter is hydraulic whereas a manual has a mechanical clutch. Therein lies the weak point in the automatic transmission. A hydraulic link from the engine to drivetrain is where the power is lost in an auto. Gearing is also a big factor. Autos generally have taller gears than manuals.

 

the torque converter also weighs autos down more than manuals...but since when they are floored, autos are made to shift at right before redline, a good auto racer can beat an ok stick racer (but a good auto racer against a good stick racer doesn't stand a chance)...sticks are generally (as in the maxima case) about .3-.4 secs quicker on 1/4 mile and about .4 secs quicker 0-60