What is the maximum speed in 1st gear?
2 Answers
Normally, the maximum speed in 1st gear can reach 45km/h, which is related to the engine displacement and tuning. Taking a 1.6L manual transmission car as an example, when the engine reaches the maximum speed of 6000r/min, the 1st gear can reach 45km/h, the 2nd gear can reach a maximum speed of 81km/h, the 3rd gear can reach a maximum speed of 133km/h, the 4th gear can reach 183km/h, and the 5th gear can reach a speed of 230km/h. The engine speed, gear, and vehicle speed should be matched. When the speed matches the gear, the vehicle's performance is at its best, and the thermal efficiency of the fuel is the highest. If the speed does not match the gear, such as high speed with low gear or low speed with high gear, it will not only increase fuel consumption but also cause damage to the engine and transmission, resulting in irreversible damage to the vehicle. Therefore, the gear and speed must be matched during driving. The 1st gear is used for normal starting, and the speed is generally around 10km/h. The 2nd gear is a transitional gear for acceleration after starting or for low-speed driving, with a speed generally around 20km/h. The 3rd gear is used for speeds between 20-40km/h and is commonly used for city driving. The 4th gear can be used for speeds between 40-60km/h. The 5th gear is used for speeds above 60km/h.
When driving a manual transmission car, I've noticed that the top speed in first gear is generally only around 20 to 30 km/h, depending on the vehicle model. Smaller cars might reach slightly higher, up to 40 km/h, but it's best not to push it too hard. Otherwise, the engine roars loudly, and the high RPMs can damage the car. This gear is designed primarily for starting or climbing steep hills, where high torque is needed, and lower speeds are normal. Once, out of curiosity, I tried flooring the accelerator on a flat road to test the limit, but the car just whined without gaining speed, reminding me to shift to second gear quickly to avoid overheating. With more driving experience, you'll understand that driving fast in first gear has no benefits—it just wastes fuel and accelerates wear. Safety first; once you exceed 30 km/h, it's wise to shift up promptly.