Basically, it's like you are missing first gear and starting in second. If your dead set on keeping it (like I was for a while), here is the best thing to do. Put the HOLD button in, so the tranny is on hold. Drop it into first gear at a stop light. Power brake to about 3000 or so. Let off on the brake and shift manually. That is the best and safest way to get some more power. Neutral drops are too hard on the tranny. Driving it regularly, it's like 1...2....3...whoosh and off you go. You defintely get less torque at all gears.