Originally Posted by big john

Having owned and driven older 3 speed vehicles and even 2 speed automatics I can say those vehicles would be quicker, more efficient, have better top speed, and be more of a pleasure to drive had they been equipped with 5 or even 4 speeds with overdrive.
Best thing I did to my last old pick up was install an overdrive transmission with a lock up torque converter. It went from screaming @ 65mph to cruising quietly.

Sometimes more really is better.