4 and 5 speeds have different gear ratios?

[Tim]

I was always under the impression that the only difference between 4 speeds and 5 speeds was the extra gear, but then I came across this graphic....



Is that accurate? Are the ratios actually different?


Regards,

Tim

[getnpsi]

ive read that the drive pinion ratio was the only thing different...hmm

i was also taught in school that 4th gear in a 4sp with no od was supposed to be turning the same speed as the input shaft. it was probably just to make things simple, kind of like 10m/s/s for falling objects in the dumbell physics class.

by dividing the final ratios you get a one percent difference in the aspire vs festiva. most of you guys upgrade your tires so you are making your gears even steeper, which is great for the mpg's. would seem negligible if one was to upgrade from a 4sp to an aspire 5 speed but put on some escort wheels/tires. when i spring for my next festiva im going to be using as many aspire parts as possible, if not for the peace of mind that its a newer car.

the protege trans can be taken apart and 5th gear only swapped, which is great. our trannies are so weak id rather just take the whole unit out and install another if any noises are apparent

[FestYboy]

that first row (88-89 4 spd) is actually the early Cali ONLY 4 speed (about the first 6 mos of production). the federal 4 speeds came with the 5 speed ratios minus the 5th gear.

[FB71]

^^^ and who do you have to thank for that info?

[FestYboy]

Thaaannnnk Yyyyooouuuuu JJjjjiiiiimmmmmm!!!!