MrV8888

The dealer gave me a loaner with auto transmission. I noticed the auto at 65 mph is barely over 2000 rpm. My 2012 SE 6MT is closer to 3000 rpm at 65 mph.

Can you 6MTers confirm this?

I did search but nothing came up. If this question has been asked before, I apologize.

Thanks.

thunderbt3

Sounds about right, the 6MT has lower gearing.

musty hustla

V6 is at ~1500-1800

gonzo08452

This

Simba91102

All three drivetrain combinations (4 cyl AT, 4 cyl MT, 6 cyl AT) each actually have different gear ratios in the transmission, and different final drive ratios. End result being, in top gear.... 4 cyl AT: 2.53, 4 cyl MT: 3.28, 6 cyl AT: 2.11. Pretty big difference between the MT and the AT cars. My wife and I both do almost all highway driving, and this (the considerably higher gearing of the AT) was a major factor in our choice of AT cars. Probably not a huge factor at 65, but at 85-90, I have to assume that the MT car is pretty buzzy (and the mileage takes a big hit too, even more so than in the AT car).

MrV8888

Thanks everyone! I wish the sixth gear is a little taller.

stan_t

Why? It would be a dog having to accelerate on the freeway. Mileage is great as-is, and noise level isn't high. What would you gain?

It's not the taller 6th gear you want, it's the lower final drive ratio.

Stan

Simba91102

You can always downshift.... And that's a higher final drive ratio (lower numerically) you'd want to decrease revs at speed. Honda has always (I mean for like over 30 years) used pretty close ratio transmissions with a low ratio (high numerically) final drive. That tends to minimize rev drop between shifts and it keeps the engine closer to the torque and HP peaks. I happen to think it's a great plan, but it can take it's toll on revs at cruising speeds with the MT. Honda engines have also always been weak in the torque department, so the lack of a torque converter necessitates the lower gearing of the MT.

MrV8888

This is not a complaint by the way. I just wanted to confirm with other MT owners the RPM range. I will take a MT any time for a more engaging driving experience. I just didn't know the difference between auto and MT is that much as I didn't test drive an auto before.

Simba - thanks for the technical explanation.

Simba91102

I for one never thought you were; this is a good place for questions like yours. I've always enjoyed shifting too, but when it comes to a daily driver, I tend to lean more toward what I need as opposed to what I might want. We drive a lot of miles, and all highway, so from a comfort, mileage, and resale standpoint, the AT is a no brainer for us. Plus, I can get my shifting jollies elsewhere, so having the AT has never been a hardship. But to each their own, and if the TSX is an only car, the choice becomes harder.

CGTSX2004

iTrader: (1)

Just downshift to accelerate on the freeway. A slightly taller 6th gear would likely see modest improvements to highway fuel economy and lower noise level at highway speeds. Seems like a worthy trade-off to have to downshift a gear to accelerate at highway speeds.

stan_t

But you'd have a bigger gap between 5th and 6th.

I actually like higher RPM at speed in lower power car, it is more responsive. I don't want to downshift to 5th at 70MPH to 5K RPM or wherever that would end up. I don't want to downshift on the freeway at all, I never have to in any of my cars.

Stan

damaged442

I'd say what you are seeing RPM-wise is correct. I'm running about 3000 between 65 and 70 mph. I was always curious what the rev differences would be between my 6MT, the 5AT and the V6 at various driving speeds. I always thought that mine revved a little high, but I wouldn't change a thing. This thing is still a blast to drive.