Word I got from TH was that the rod setup was more durable because of something to do with where the mechanism sat inside the tranny--it was bathed in oil and always lubed. That's my limited understanding of it.
Anyway, the rod shifter is more susceptible to binding under hard acceleration, and can feel "notchy." But the binding can be reduced or pretty much eliminated with SVT motor mounts and such, and the notchiness isn't too much of a problem if you guide the shift lever, rather than slam or force it.
