[240 2NR]

I've noticed the same in my girlfriend's auto altima.  Just tooling around town her car feels faster and smoother from a standing start.  But it also has a taller first gear and doensn't have to slip a clutch.  So the initial start in my manual is slower due to trying to have a smooth takeoff, and with the same shift point (in rpm) her car is moving faster.  However, when overtaking or driving for speed, my 240 is a lot faster.