That probably has something to do with it. The one I was talking about in my story (my Camry) was an automatic. Though I did drive my Accord which is manual with the parking brake on once, and I didn't notice anything except that I had to rev the engine a lot more. I don't think a lack of power would be a problem though, because my Camry is about the least powerful thing there is, other than maybe a Dodge Aries.
By the way, are you saying your car(s) are not powerful? Would this be your old Volvos you are refering to or another car?