Honda Civic - Which gear should I be on at this speed? (Updated) 10 Points!?

A

Alessandro

New member
When I am going 50MPH (80km/h) and when I'm in:

4th gear it says its at 2800 RPM
5th gear it says its at 2100 RPM.

So at that speed, which gear should I be in for fuel economy and overall health of the vehicle and why?

ALSO: The manual says it is recommended to change gears at 3200-3500 revs per minute. So even tho 5th gear might have more fuel efficiency (less revs per minute), couldn't 2100 RPM be too low to travel long distances? Wont the car have to pull harder or have more difficulty, therefore use more fuel??

Thanks!

(Honda Civic 1998 Gli Hatchback)
 
depends on driving conditions.

lets say ur on a straight road, even elevation. put it in 5th.

lets say ur on a straight road with mixed elevations, put it in 4th.
 
5th gear is best. the car is working the least. basically for best economy, u want the car to be working the least, but not under working. like if u feel the car about to stall/ resist, put it back into fourth. but 5th is good.
 
2100 RPM in fifth gear would definitely give you the best fuel economy if the speed-limit allows you to go that fast. The engine is turning less RPM's per mile thus using less fuel. If you pull a load or go up a steep hill it may be necessary to shift down on inclines and steep hills.

The reason the manual says to shift gears at 3,200 -3,500 RPM's is when the clutch is let out for the next higher gear you'll be right back down to 2,100. It's called overlap shifting. Apparently Honda recognizes the fact the motor runs most efficiently and uses the least amount of fuel @ 2,100 RPM.
 
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