For me on a lower power car the right gearing has a big impact on performance. My first 7 was a 150 sigma with a 5 speed box. To be honest it always felt a bit 'flat'
My current car is a 140 supersport with a 6 speed and TBH it feels a lot better than the first. I know that a lot has been written about the 150 engine not making that power, but regardless of this, a 140 with a 6 speed is a very 'sweet' combination.