Many people seem to think that I know something about cars. So usually if they have questions pertaining to cars they consult me. One of the things I've noticed that the people I talk to misconceive is the transmission.
They all fall for the "more is better" and "bigger is better" idea. They think that 6 speed transmissions are better than 5 speed transmissions and their biggest argument is that because it has an extra gear so it will save more gas. When it comes to automatics and manuals, the manual transmission can take you a few extra miles but when it comes to manuals and the amount of gears that it has that does not hold true.
Usually the final drive ratio of both transmissions are going to be similar. The only difference is because of the 6spd having an extra gear, the gear ratios are a lot shorter [read: shift sooner] than a 5spd.
here is a graph showing the differences between a 5spd WRX transmission and a 6spd WRX STI transmission. The (X) axis is speed and the (Y) axis is RPMs. As you can see the ratios vary and shifting comes much sooner on the 6spd but the end point is very similar in RPMs and speed.
So the next time someone tells you their 6spd is better than your 5spd just tell them "at least I don't have to shift as much as you"
In other news I just read this great interview article on
www.craveonline.com about an interview with Matt Groening who if you don't know is the creator of both The Simpsons and Futurama.
If you know me you will know that I am a die hard fan of The Simpsons AND Futurama. He talks about the upcoming Simpsons movie which opens on July 27, 2007 and hints that the state that Springfield is in will finally be revealed. He also talks about the return of Futurama which is scheduled to return on Comedy Central in 2008.
Check out the link for the whole interview...
http://www.craveonline.com/filmtv/articles/04647510/rhymes_with_raining.htmlAs always don't forget to start your day off with a daily cup o' J
