Which is faster from 0 to 100 mph, D gear or S gear?
2 Answers
0 to 100 mph is faster in S gear. S gear is the sport mode, which allows the transmission to shift freely and keeps the engine at high RPM for a longer time. The car runs at low gear and high RPM for an extended period, resulting in greater torque output and acceleration. Car gears are divided into: 1. P gear is the parking gear; 2. R gear is the reverse gear; 3. N gear is the neutral gear; 4. D gear is the drive gear; 5. S gear is the sport mode; 6. L gear is the low gear. The driving method for automatic transmission cars is: 1. When starting, press the brake pedal, release the handbrake after shifting, and smoothly lift the brake pedal; 2. During driving, use the D gear for forward movement; 3. Do not press the accelerator pedal hard when switching gears; 4. When parking, simply press the brake pedal in D gear.
Having driven for fifteen years, I've experienced various acceleration tests. From personal experience, the S mode is indeed significantly faster than D mode in 0 to 100 mph acceleration. D mode is designed for fuel efficiency and smooth driving, with earlier gear shifts causing engine RPM to drop quickly, resulting in weaker acceleration feel. When switched to S mode, the transmission logic changes—it delays upshifts, keeping the engine at higher RPM for more direct power delivery and instant throttle response. For example, when I drove a German car with S mode, actual tests showed acceleration time could be shortened by about half a second, though this isn't equally noticeable in all vehicles—cars with smaller horsepower may show less difference. Safety-wise, be aware that S mode increases fuel consumption and engine noise, and prolonged use may accelerate component wear. It's suitable for overtaking on highways but unnecessary for daily driving, plus it wears tires faster. Regular maintenance checks on transmission fluid and spark plugs help keep the car in optimal condition.
