Are There 6-Speed Manual Transmissions?
3 Answers
Manual transmissions can have 6 speeds. The more gears a transmission has, the smaller the difference in gear ratios between them, resulting in smoother shifting. Here are some related details: Driving Comfort: A 6-speed transmission has more refined gear ratios than a 5-speed, reducing the sensation of jerking during gear changes. Additionally, at high speeds, the engine RPM is lower in 6th gear, resulting in less noise. Performance: The gear ratios in a 6-speed are more finely tuned, with smaller differences between gears, making shifts smoother. Fuel Efficiency: A 6-speed manual transmission has an extra gear compared to a 5-speed, making it more fuel-efficient at highway speeds.
I've been driving manual transmission cars for ten years, and 6MT models are indeed quite common. These cars are particularly comfortable on highways, with the engine noise being very quiet. When you shift into 6th gear and cruise at 120 km/h, the RPM is only around 2000. They're also more convenient for mountain driving or downhill runs, though in traffic jams, you might need to press the clutch a few more times, especially for beginners who might feel a bit overwhelmed. If you're more into driving pleasure, hot hatches like the Civic Si or Focus ST come standard with 6-speed manuals, and their shifting feel is much smoother compared to regular 5-speed cars.
A 6-speed manual transmission is nothing new these days, as most performance cars now come equipped with a 6-speed gearbox. The biggest advantage of a 6th gear is that it allows the engine to maintain very low RPMs at highway speeds, especially in turbocharged vehicles—at 120 km/h, the RPM might stay below 2,500. For example, the MQ350 transmission in the Golf GTI is a classic; cruising in 6th gear feels exceptionally stable. However, in city driving, the 6th gear is rarely used, as the gear ratios of the first five gears are quite similar to those of a standard 5MT car. When driving such cars, remember to adjust the shifter for a tighter throw; otherwise, it's easy to mis-shift into the 6th gear position.
