Difference Between 6-Speed Manual and 5-Speed Manual Transmission
2 Answers
Here are the specific differences between 6-speed manual and 5-speed manual transmissions: 1. Price: The 6-speed is slightly more expensive than the 5-speed. The gear ratios in a 6-speed manual transmission are more finely divided than those in a 5-speed, and many car owners report that 6-speed manual vehicles are more fuel-efficient on highways, hence the higher price. 2. Performance: The 6-speed delivers better and stronger power output compared to the 5-speed, with significantly different vehicle performance. The lever principle ensures more even power distribution in 6-speed vehicles, resulting in slightly higher speeds - a difference particularly noticeable on highways. The 6-speed also provides stronger power output in each gear and offers superior handling compared to the 5-speed.
I drove a 5-speed manual for years during my commute before switching to a 6-speed manual, and the difference is quite noticeable. In city traffic, the 6-speed requires more frequent shifting which can be annoying, but on the highway, the sixth gear keeps the RPM 400-500 lower, significantly reducing engine noise and improving fuel efficiency by about 0.5L/100km. At 120 km/h on long trips, the 5-speed manual revs close to 3000 RPM with noticeable steering wheel vibration, while the 6-speed is much more comfortable. However, the 5-speed is indeed more hassle-free in urban driving, especially during rush hour when less shifting is needed – my left hand never gets a break with the 6-speed. If you frequently drive on highways, the extra cost for a 6-speed is absolutely worth it, but for city commuting, a 5-speed is perfectly adequate and more affordable.
