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Some gear ratios and other numbers for you:
1.8L Endura-DI 90 PS
1st 3.667
2nd 2.136
3rd 1.448
4th 1.028
5th 0.767
Reverse 3.727
Final drive 3.410
1.8L Endura-DI 75 PS
1st 3.667
2nd 2.047
3rd 1.258
4th 0.864
5th 0.674
Reverse 3.727
Final drive 3.560
shortest 5th 0.674
shortest FD 3.410
Standard fitment rpm/70mph in 5th 90 PS 75 PS 0.674 5th & 3.410 Finaldrive
185/65 R14 1873mm 2622 2405 2304
195/55 R15 1871mm 2625 [+3] 2408 [+3] 2306
195/60 R15 1932mm 2542 [-80] 2332 [-73] 2234
Alternative 15” tyre
195/65 R15 1993mm 2464 [-158] 2260 [-204] 2166
[Dimensions in mm are circumference]
I would keep the 185/65 R14 steel wheels, or go for 15” alloys and tyre for looks, they will weigh about the same, maybe more or less. 195/60 R15 would lower revs at 70 mph marginally, 195/55 R15 would be basically identical to the 185/65 R14. Worthwhile gains could be had by using 195/65 R15, though beware the extra rotating mass and squidgy handling, especially turning into corners. I would recommend looking at the cost of the tyres as this could be a deciding factor.
A much larger reduction in cruising revs is to be found by changing final drives/ 5th gear depending which box you have to start with.
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