Automatic Transmission?

["Patchem, Eric EM2" <patchem.eric@lincoln.navy.mil>]

I had recently inquired about directly coupling the motor to the axles using
a fixed gear ratio. I had asked this because my car has an automatic
transmission. I had read that an automatic transmission is less efficient
than a manual. Which would be less efficient, the automatic tranny or the
fixed gearbox (or chain)? I have a 93 ford festiva which I want to convert.
A manual tranny probably wouldn't cost that much, but I am trying to do this
conversion with as little stress as possible. I have many ideas, but I would
like to bounce those ideas off anyone who will listen.

Thank You,
Eric.