Well when you compare the 1st gear ratios of the A340F (2.804) and the R150F (3.830) you will notice that the manual R150F has a significantly lower gear ratio. So in that sense, the manual would be geared lower. However, the gearing in the automatic A340F will tend to fluctuate because of the torque convertor. One or another is not necessarily better than the other, it is just simply preference in my opinion.
