What is the final drive ratio for 5, and 6 speed manual 2nd generation? How much % overdrive in high gear. A relative has a first generation MX3 with automatic transmission. It exhibits no overdrive on the highway. Thats 3000 RPM at 60 MPH. No wonder it does not get better MPG. A 3rd gen Escort w/SOHC engine has about 33% overdrive. How many RPM's at 60 MPH for 2nd gen Mazda3?

 

Just because the MX3 runs 3,000 RPMs at 60 in no way means there isn't an overdrive in the transmission. Why? Because you're missing out on the final drive gear ratio, and until you know that there is no way of knowing whether the transmission has one or more overdrive gears. That said, if the MX3 had a 4-Speed automatic transmission, there is probably 50-50 odds 4th gear is an overdrive.

I just checked my notes from way-WAY back; when the Gen 1 Mazda3 was first released, the manual transmission had two overdrive gears; I suspect the same held true for the early Gen 2 Mazda3 5-Speed units.

• 1st - 3.307
• 2nd - 1.497
• 3rd - 1.310
• 4th - 0.970
• 5th - 0.755

 

Forget about "overdrive" terminology. How many RPM's at 60 MPH in the highest gear, 5th or 6th.

 

I don't remember, but it was under 3,000.

 

How about % over drive, and final drive ratio? Overdrive being that the output rpm from top gear being faster than engine rpm. That would be with the 2.0 DOHC engine. I really need to know how many RPM's the engine is spinning at 60 mph in top gear. Is there anywhere to look up the data? The 3rd gen Escort is turning 2000 rpm at 60 MPH w/2.0 litre SOHC engine. That gives me 39 MPG at 75 to 85 MPG on the highway. I realize the DOHC engine might not be as fuel efficient, but if it runs 2000 rpm at 60 MPH it will give a lot better MPG than the automatic that does 3000 RPM at 60 MPH.

 

That isn't entirely true; for decades now, cars with manual transmissions have A) had shorter overall gearing than their siblings with automatic transmissions (i.e. otherwise identical cars, one with a manual, and one with an automatic, the car with a manual will have a higher RPM at any given speed), and yet, B) they have gotten better fuel economy.

Please understand, the key to good fuel economy isn't so much overall gearing, as it is proper gearing to maximize the most efficient power/RPM range of the engine. To focus only on overall drive ratio and/or transmission gearing is to lose sight of the bigger picture.

 

How many RPM's at 60 MPH?

 

I already told you, I don't remember; I sold my Gen 1 Mazda3 several years ago.

Long story short, it is well above 2,000 RPMs. Sounds to me like a new Mazda is not in your future; better if you stuck with Fords.

 

Anybody else know? % overdrive, and final drive ratio, or where to look up that data?

 

2012 Japanese built Mazda 3 6 speed Manual( BL2 - Facelift) about 2600RPM @ 100km/hr - 60MPH

Also in the Japan, New Zealand, Australian market all BL Mazda 3's have a 6 speed manual or 5 speed auto.