Having torn down some trans in my day,is base my assumption on the fact that transverse engine?trans combos don't have the width for plates and clutches.Compare a turbo 400 clutch pak to any transaxle automatic.It's short on clutches for one thing,and clutches wear.Second heat is the killer of all transmissions,underhood temps soar.With every automatic I've owned I always add another trans cooler.It was standard thing in the 70's when you order a trailer package for your car.
Front wheel drive is good for snow,but for lasting trans,I'll stick with a 3 best 4 good or 5 speed auto,with the engine and trans where it should be.

__________________
1999 w140, quit voting to old, and to old to fight, a god damned veteran, deutschland deutschland uber alles uber alles in der welt