Horses for courses the older V8s and big sixes (Hemi 265 ) had a wide torque curve so did not need so many gears which rather than being pigs to drive made them a relaxing drive , 3 speed manual VH Pacers could go from idle to 50 mph in first gear unless a high rise cam was put in .
Would top out at 120 mph is third gear .
Personally prefer that to a 6 speed manual box for relaxed driving , fuel economy was not to bad unless pushed .