[Mr.ac]

The PP has nothing to do with anything, it's all the same engine and tranny.
As for your problems, it's just you have to get used to the odd ball shift point.

It was the same for me when I got mine. I question my shifting technique because my MR2 was smooth and butter even when banging it fast.

Just keep driving it and eventually you'll feel the right shift point. Also helps to rev match up shits if that makes senses. But I noticed this car likes it when you give it more gas while shifting.