Quote:
Originally Posted by tranzformer
Depends on your definition of "long hills." If your definition is Rockies/Sierra Nevadas/Cascades...etc., you will have to downshift to 5th or 4th anyways. Taller gearing for the 6th gear would make more sense for every day driving as it would allow lower RPM at highway speeds w/ better MPGs. Plus the car/engine is meant to be shift, hence the AZ6 transmission. No problem going down a gear to pass a car for 10 sec and back into 6th.  |
My definition is interstates running through the Appalachian mountains. My 6MT GTI reved around 3k at 70mph and had plenty of immediate power if I just punched it without a downshift. It was very pleasant to drive on the interstate because it constantly felt on boil. It felt engaging like it was ready to leap into action like a sporty car should feel.
Shifting to make minor speed changes on the interstate is for the birds, IMO. This is a sports car, not an economy car. Going 70mph everywhere instead of 80mph will save you more money in gas than a taller final drive will.