1994-2002 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
Wow, that's a biggie.
Gear ratios are a balance. In racing and everyday driving. For racing, tranny and final drive gears can be changed to suit the track. A high ratio final drive will provide more acceleration and lower top speed for a track with lots of curves. A low ratio final drive is good for say the Indy 500 where acceleration is not as important as top speed.
The transmission ratios determine the steps in acceleration. A close ratio gearbox will get you to 60 or 100mph quickly through many shifts, but you will find yourself turning 3000+ rpm at highway speeds, thus affecting comfort and fuel economy and top speed. Such as a BMW, most of their 5spd boxes don't have overdrive and a have a high ratio final drive. That's how they turn 0-60 in the 6sec range with only 210ft-lb for peak torque.
The SAAB box has a larger spread to it. Mostly because peak engine torque is avail over such a wide range, you don't have to stay on top of the power band. Therefore, our benefits are good comfort, good fuel economy and if necessary a really high top speed considering other cars in this class.
You asked a very simply complex question. The easiest way to gain a lot of understanding here would be to buy an old, inexpensive driving simulator like Sports Car GT (made by Electronic Arts, usually $10). This is a very accurate sim and you can see what affects engines, tranmissions, and tire have on vehicles.
Realize also, that final drive ratio isn't everything, as NASCAR boys and other types of racing that tend to go in circles realize. Tire stagger (overall tire diameter), whether inflation pressure or physical size will change the overall ratio. Thus, if you are very happy with your car's acceleration and top speed, as well as fuel economy, tire upgrades should be made while considering a very similar diamter diameter, say 205/55r16 to a 225/50r16 not a 225/45r16 or 225/55r16.
Hope this helped.
later,
tony
01 9³ SE Conv 5spd
posted by 4.40.152...
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