2010 - 5 speed MTX vs ATX - rpms at highway speed

[TT76]

Hi all,

I will be purchasing a Mazda 3 hatchback soon - but I noticed something.

I test drove a 5 spd manual and at about 120 km/h the rpms was at about 3,000. With the auto tranny, at the same 120 km/h, the rpms were at about 2,500.

I typically drive on the highway at about 110-120 so I'm wondering if this 500 rpm difference will make a big difference in the fuel economy.

I'm thinking about keeping this vehicle for at least 5-6 years so I'm also wondering if the higher rpms on the mtx will increase engine wear..


thoughts?

[Sales 101]

Do the math...500 rmp x 60min=30000 more revolutions in a 5spd vs auto on the hwy in one hour. Been reading auto gives better mileage due to a higher final gear ratio.

More revs = more fuel

[TheMAN]

if engine wear is a concern, run synthetic oil... if you're overly paranoid like I am, go with 5W30 oil (euro spec) and install an oil cooler (mexico/euro spec)

all of the 2.5 autos come with an oil cooler already though.... not in the manual


yes, the auto has the same highway mpg but 1mpg better for city

[SuDD3N5HiFT]

my 2010 5-speed auto runs at 2500rpm @ 120km/h, I don't know if it has overdrive. if that is the case wouldnt it mean I have 6 gears?

[Nova 3 GT]

That's a pretty good improvement over the previous generation (2006-2009). My engine does 2300RPM@100kph and 2700RPM@120kph.

[TT76]

well I think i've decided to go with a mtx over the atx. with the higher rpms on the highway, I think this will help me to keep my speeds down anyway

I doubt the 500rpm would make a huge difference but just wanted to check in with people on the forum

cheers

[MajesticBlueNTO]

my 2010 5-speed auto runs at 2500rpm @ 120km/h, I don't know if it has overdrive. if that is the case wouldnt it mean I have 6 gears?

in cars, almost all modern automatics above 3-speeds have overdriven gears. the one exception that comes to mind would be the 3-speed automatic in the 1st gen Neon.

in the case of the 5 speed auto in the mazda3, gears 4 and 5 are overdriven.

[SuDD3N5HiFT]

in cars, almost all modern automatics above 3-speeds have overdriven gears. the one exception that comes to mind would be the 3-speed automatic in the 1st gen Neon.

in the case of the 5 speed auto in the mazda3, gears 4 and 5 are overdriven.

got it now, thanks for the explanation Maj.