Posted on 08/26/2012 5:59:49 PM PDT by Alberta's Child
I'm in the market for a small car (new or late model "pre-owned"), and I've come across a peculiar bit of information for one of the vehicles I'm considering. Why would a small car with a 2.5-liter engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission have a slightly higher EPA fuel rating than the same car with the same engine and a 6-speed manual transmission?
I typically prefer a manual transmission for small cars, but I'm not sure that this would be the case for this type of vehicle (a Mazda3 with Mazda's SkyActiv technology). This one has me stumped, folks.
P.S. I would use this primarily for local and short-distance driving. My 2007 F-150 is in fantastic shape and serves as my business/long-haul driving vehicle.
Looks like we’re going automotive tonight.
Honda or Toyota
Since automatics outsell manuals by a huge margin (in America) the manufacturer will often devote more engineering resources to optimizing that engine/trans package.
When every tenth of a mpg counts (for CAFE) you put your effort where the sales are.
That would be a strong option if I were buying the car. However, there’s a good chance I’m going to lease it instead ... which means reliability and long-term value aren’t as important in the long run.
Yes, it’s possible. You can look up stats for the particular model either on the manufacturer’s web-site, or something like edmunds.com.
For example, have a Toyota Tacoma with a 6-speed manual. The automatic has a slightly higher EPA MPG rating because the final-drive ratio is lower on the automatic (lower engine speed required to maintain the same speed).
“Modern” automatics are electronically controlled and typically programmed for maximum fuel efficiency. Since almost no one drives the way they want you to your mileage will vary from the advertised specs.
First: Having several Mazdas sitting in my driveway and having owned them for many miles (Including a Mazda3) I will tell you that NOTHING is as fun to drive as a Mazda for the money. Nothing even comes close.
Second: To answer your question -
Think of today’s automatic transmission as a manual that is shifted very quickly by a computer. That idea is why they can get better mileage than you or I can by doing it ourselves.
That being said, I prefer a manual to an automatic. But that’s just me.
(If Mazda would wipe that stupid grin off the Mazda3’s face I would replace my 2007 Mazda3 with a new one)
Thanks! That might explain a lot. I’m trying to track down some data about the gear ratios, but I’m having a hard time finding an online resource that lists the manual and automatic transmissions separately.
The vehicle this one would replace is sort of a Mazda, and I would agree with you except it's not exactly a "real" Mazda. It's a Mazda Navajo -- built by Ford up until the mid-1990s as a clone of the Ford Explorer -- and it's got 355,000+ miles on it. Original engine and transmission, and no major repairs except for an overhaul of the front suspension at around 200,000 miles.
You'd be hard-pressed to find a better value in a vehicle, eh?
Interesting about the "stupid grin" comment. One of the customer reviews I read about it said something like: "What's with the Mazda3 and the "Froggie Went A-Courtin'" look? LOL.
Interesting. Thank you!
Different tires sizes. Larger tires make for better mileage.
You must understand the government is smart enough to nibble away a small freedoms to make us comfortable with the shackles they are putting on us.
Take a look at the Mazdaspeed 3. Quite a bang for the buck.
It use to be that manual transmissions got better fuel mileage than automatics. This was mostly due to an approximately 20% slip rate in the torque convertor on the automatic. Modern automatic transmissions have a lock up torque convertor that eliminates that advantage. Combine that with shifting that is computer controlled and learns your driving habits to maximize efficiency and there it is.
So, you are admitting on FR that you are not a patriot and are considering buying a foreign automobile?
Get a Ford. The only American automobile mfr. left that didn’t need a bailout.
That stupid Mazda grin will be gone in 2013.
I bought a Mazda6 last year. It was built in Detroit by American workers. But alas ... their relationship with Ford is over and the next generation will be built in Japan.
higher rear end ratio!!
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