do all u mazda3/mazda6 drivers with the manual 5 speed think the gearing is a bit FU*KED UP?! ok. so gears 1-4 is fine, but when i drive 80. im revving 3800 RPM in top gear?!

is it just me? or is that way too high. most cars (even 4 bangers) rev closer to the 3000rpm range (my mom's car revs only 2100rpm at 80mph)

yes, the car is rock solid at 80+mph, but the engine is just revving its brains out. [:-]
thoughts?

 

When it comes to tranny, the more speed is always the better. Faster acceleration and lower RPM. Look at the 8 speed auto in the big Lexus. Whileyouare willing to pay more for it, the company will have to decide whether MOST would pay more or not for that particular line. In most cases, the majority wins. But it's getting better, you are probably too young to have seen American cars with 3 speed manual tranny. R is on top of 1st.

 

2-speed Powerglide baby.....I remember the days of L andD (Low and Drive.)...or 3-speed manual shifters located on the column (3 on the tree)....

People are spoiled these days with all the gears available. The trend for newer vehicles is 6 or more speeds to provide good acceleration while still being able to provide a decent overdrive gear for highway mileage.

 

exactly...i really like my new mazda 6, 6 cylinder, 5 speed manual but there is no reason for a v-6 to run at such high rpm cruising on the highway. my previous car was a 2006 saab aero with a 2.8 liter v-6(turbo) and that thing was turning at 2500 at 70-80 mph.

lower revs at speed would cause less engine wear, quiter ride, longer engine life, and most importantly higher gas mileage. heck even my 05 nissian altima 2.5 liter 4 banger, 4 speed auto was turning around 3k at 70-80mph.