Re: Non Roc - Final Drive Ratio ?s

[Dan Bubb <jdbubb@ix.netcom.com>]

You've pretty much got it nailed with one exception.
If you have different final drive ratios and all the gear ratios (1st
thru 5th or 6th) are the same then what you say is true.
On the other hand, wider ratios spreads between the gears in combination
with a shorter final drive can negate the top speed and mileage issues.
This is especially true of turbo engines since they typically have a
broader torque curve and can carry wider ratio spreads easily.
In other words you need to look at the total reduction from the engine
to the wheels to compare. (and of course tire diameter is also part of
the equation.)
Dan

Brad Sayer wrote:
> 
> I am trying to understand final drive ratios.  Am I correct that a shorter
> final drive (higher number) will give quicker accelleration but lower top
> speed and gas mileage, when compared to a taller final drive (lower number)?
> 
> I see that the 2001 Jettas and GTIs (both with 1.8T) have the same tranny
> gears, but different final drives.  Jetta has a 3.94 and GTi a 3.65.  And
> the Jetta only weighs 20lbs more.  So the Jetta should be quicker off the
> line, and accelerate faster, but the GTI would have a higher top speed and
> better mileage?
> 
> Is this right or am I totally confused?
> 
> Brad
> 
> _____________________
> 1987 16V Scirocco
> vwrocco85@hotmail.com
> 
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