Adjustment works the same. However, tightening the cable will provide a later shift, which may be contrary to what you were thinking when you compared it to your car. I'm not sure which way you meant when you said "out too far".

Normally, a cable adjustment will influence the shift point, but as far as the "abrupt" is concerned, the owner may want to have a good trans flushing performed and see what that nets him/her.