5spd unrealistic milage?

[fiesa]

I have a S 5-speed that I drive 51 miles each way to work and I get about 40 MPG with it at 65-75. It currently has a messded up transmission..apparently I got the one they bulilt with a messed up 5 speed, so I have a PS rental fiesta. I get 43 so far with it.

[Norm201]

Originally Posted by fiesa

I have a S 5-speed that I drive 51 miles each way to work and I get about 40 MPG with it at 65-75. It currently has a messded up transmission..apparently I got the one they bulilt with a messed up 5 speed, so I have a PS rental fiesta. I get 43 so far with it.

Without pointing directly at you, I think this is a perfect example of a computer doing a much better (consistent) job of shifting than a person can do.

[3Mach1]

Originally Posted by Norm201

Without pointing directly at you, I think this is a perfect example of a computer doing a much better (consistent) job of shifting than a person can do.

Possible but the difference probably comes from higher gearing from the auto. If Im not mistaken the 5 speed cars turn 3200 or so at 70 which is about 500 rpm more than the autos. Correct me somebody if Im wrong. The car needs a 6 speed manual.

[Lonestar]

Originally Posted by 3Mach1

Possible but the difference probably comes from higher gearing from the auto. If Im not mistaken the 5 speed cars turn 3200 or so at 70 which is about 500 rpm more than the autos. Correct me somebody if Im wrong. The car needs a 6 speed manual.

The difference is perhaps due to something like tire pressure. It's doubtful the rental has proper inflation, and properly inflated tires matter.

The car would be an absolute dog with a 6 speed, it doesn't have the power for an over over drive, unless they rearranged the gear ratios to the point that the other 5 speeds allowed it to rev higher and used more gas. What the car REALLY needs is direct injection. That would add about 5mpg.

[3Mach1]

Originally Posted by Lonestar

The difference is perhaps due to something like tire pressure. It's doubtful the rental has proper inflation, and properly inflated tires matter.

The car would be an absolute dog with a 6 speed, it doesn't have the power for an over over drive, unless they rearranged the gear ratios to the point that the other 5 speeds allowed it to rev higher and used more gas. What the car REALLY needs is direct injection. That would add about 5mpg.

Properly spaced a 6 speed would work and give you the best of both worlds. Ask Hyundia why the Accent comes standard with one. Ford chose not to due to cost imo. 5th is already an over drive gear technically. Its all about the all mighty dollar.

[eRic]

Originally Posted by 3Mach1

Possible but the difference probably comes from higher gearing from the auto. If Im not mistaken the 5 speed cars turn 3200 or so at 70 which is about 500 rpm more than the autos. Correct me somebody if Im wrong. The car needs a 6 speed manual.

Gear ratios

Standard 5-speed manual
1st 3.846
2nd 2.038
3rd 1.281
4th 0.951
5th 0.756
Reverse 3.615
Final drive 4.07 to 1

Optional PowerShift™ 6-speed automatic
1st 3.917
2nd 2.429
3rd 1.436
4th 1.021
5th 0.867
6th 0.702
Reverse 3.507
Final drive 3.895 for gears 1, 2, 5, and 6. 4.353 for gears 3, 4 and R.

[ironlion]

Originally Posted by Lonestar

The difference is perhaps due to something like tire pressure. It's doubtful the rental has proper inflation, and properly inflated tires matter.

The car would be an absolute dog with a 6 speed, it doesn't have the power for an over over drive, unless they rearranged the gear ratios to the point that the other 5 speeds allowed it to rev higher and used more gas. What the car REALLY needs is direct injection. That would add about 5mpg.

I have the PS 6-speed and consistently get more than 43 MPG and find the power to be anything BUT doggish.

Also, you may have misread the post in that 3Mach1 said his loaner was getting 43 MPG while the 5-spd manual gets about 40 MPG. If anything, "proper inflation" of the tires would create a greater difference in MPGs with the PS 6-speed even farther ahead in the economy sweepstakes.

You want to give props to the manual then oorah and go for it. It's a fine transmission for those who want control of the shift points. But the PS is a kick-butt ride and makes me smile every time I cruise alongside those Prii, Fits, and 500s.