I am by no means an expert. Sometimes I think some people fail to realize that 4 speed and 5 speed transmissions have differences, and I'm not talking about the fact that one is manual, and the other automatic.
For example, lets say that we had two Tiburons, one a 4 speed MANUAL, and the other a 5 speed manual. Other than that all the specs are identical between the two cars. Now lets say that each car is geared so that when the car is producing as much power as possible the car can not travel any faster than 100 km/h. Which car, if both are driven perfectly will reach that speed first? The 4 speed, or the 5 speed? The 5.
Now lets take two identical Accents, one is a 4 speed AUTO {mine} and one is a 5 speed MANUAL {the winner's}. In a race to 120 km/h, who wins? If the car was geared for 120 max km/h, then the five speed would win. If the 5 speed was geared for up to 220 km/h, and the auto was for 160km/h. Who would win? I'd say the auto. It would take the manual car more energy to pull through the gears, making it a bit more sluggish over the auto, even though it's full speed potential is greater.
I told you I wasn't a expert on this stuff, and if I'm wrong, please respond with your theory.
Thanks.

 

I don't think a stock accent can go 220km/h

 

From what I know...say you have 5 gears in a very close ratio, you will have really low top speed but really high acceleration. But I'm not so sure if the opposite applies. I'm an idiot when it comes to trannies.

 

i would think that if your car has enough power then longer gears would be wanted. it would mean less time of being in nuetral. also most hondas have really long gears and they romp on our shorter gears.

 

Uhmmm gearing kinda depends on the HP output, the weight of the car, the wheel and tyre size and what the car is being geared for doesnt it? Sometimes when you increase HP and the ratios are suitable, all someone needs to do is to change the final drive ratio(cheaper) rather then change to a close-ratio gear set(EXPENSIVE!!!)Of course sometimes road or circuit features also play a part in this stuff........