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Old 01-18-2011, 09:39 PM   #9 (permalink)
Allch Chcar
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Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: North Coast, California
Posts: 429

Cordelia - '15 Mazda Mazda3 i Sport
90 day: 37.83 mpg (US)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PaleMelanesian View Post
Even a 5-speed car can be very efficient, if it's geared right. Most are not. I'd think that's an easier engineering challenge than adding more and more gears.
Well you need a low gear for starting out and an overdrive for fuel economy. That gives you just 3 gears for acceleration and vehicles now need to cover a range between 15mph-80mph. 6spd trannies are a big part of the reason that the new Mustang/Camaro V6 get 30mpg EPA scores! Double overdrive FTW.
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