Using 6th gear?
02-09-2008, 11:29 AM
#33
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https://rennlist.com/forums/showthre...ferrerid=44637
So this can now be a "Super Thread," with all of the RPM-related stuff in one place.
02-09-2008, 11:45 AM
#34
Three Wheelin'
It really bugs me that I generally get between 19.5 and 20.5 mpg. I'm on the freeway quite a bit. I also use sixth. How the heck do you guys get 27+ mpg?
As far as driving style, I would say fairly agressive (attack open on-ramps, drop it down to 4th to "air it out" every now and then).
As far as driving style, I would say fairly agressive (attack open on-ramps, drop it down to 4th to "air it out" every now and then).
02-09-2008, 12:04 PM
#35
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Already done - but that's for my track car. In 6th gear on the back straight at Watkins Glen I can only get to 138; probably faster at VIR as its longer and a bit downhill.
The shorter gears make for a fabulously-responsive car, but I'm not sure I would do it on a street car.
The shorter gears make for a fabulously-responsive car, but I'm not sure I would do it on a street car.
02-09-2008, 12:44 PM
#37
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I usually go 1,2,3,4,6 so I guess I don't use 5th very much. I usually wind up as fast as traffic will allow and then hit 6th once I'm confined to the speed of traffic around me. I see no need in burning more fuel at 70-90 if I can't go anywhere due to traffic. (This is probably also due to the fact that since I drive a TT, my best gas mileage on the highway in 6th is still only 21-22. I average about 15...ouch).
02-09-2008, 03:31 PM
#39
Race Car
Using the tallest gear doesn't necessarily means better MPG. You'll be amazed to find out that you may burn less fuel running at a higher RPMs. You need more throtle angle to keep that same car moving at lower RPM's thus greater fuel consumption.
If I cruise at 80mph in 6th gear in my Audi, I can see 2 mpg less on the on board computer that doing the same in 5th gear. It takes less fuel for the engine to generate the same torque/hp required to keep the car moving at that speed with a shorter gear.
The key is keeping the car in the right gear for the right speed and in the right RPM range or sweet spot for a particular engine.
On the 993, I find that 3,500-4,000 rpms is that sweet spot.
Then again...all this talk is beside the point, if we are so concerned about MPG's we should be driving a Prius instead!
If I cruise at 80mph in 6th gear in my Audi, I can see 2 mpg less on the on board computer that doing the same in 5th gear. It takes less fuel for the engine to generate the same torque/hp required to keep the car moving at that speed with a shorter gear.
The key is keeping the car in the right gear for the right speed and in the right RPM range or sweet spot for a particular engine.
On the 993, I find that 3,500-4,000 rpms is that sweet spot.
Then again...all this talk is beside the point, if we are so concerned about MPG's we should be driving a Prius instead!
02-10-2008, 09:15 PM
#44
Nordschleife Master
Do the early C4's & the later C4's use different gearing? My 95 C4 likes to cruise around 70-75 mph in 6th, it's fine, except for passing.
My C4S, doesn't seam to like 6th, unless I'm over 80, maybe it's the bigger butt & aero kit?
My C4S, doesn't seam to like 6th, unless I'm over 80, maybe it's the bigger butt & aero kit?
02-11-2008, 02:05 AM
#45
Yes, that was Steve W! Also, Chris W. mentioned that anything less than 2850 rpms in 6th is "lugging" the engine. Our manuals give the minimum speeds per gear.