Is a 5 speed faster than a 6 speed?

In most cases, a six-speed transmission is not slower and often enables quicker acceleration and better highway efficiency thanks to an extra gear and closer gear spacing; however, a well-tuned five-speed can feel quicker in some setups, so there is no universal rule.

To understand why, this article examines how gear counts interact with engine power, torque delivery, weight, final-drive ratios, and typical driving conditions. We'll break down the factors, provide scenarios in which each setup shines, and offer practical guidance for evaluating transmissions in a car you own or might buy.

What the gear count means for performance

Gearing, ratios, and the power band

Five-speed and six-speed transmissions differ mainly in how many gear ratios they offer and how those ratios are spread across the rev range. A six-speed adds an extra gear, which can keep the engine in its optimal torque window for more of the acceleration run. However, the exact benefit depends on how the gear ratios and the final-drive ratio are tuned for the engine and intended use.

• More gears allow closer spacing between ratios, helping the engine stay in a torque-rich part of its curve during acceleration.


• Sixth gear is often an overdrive gear designed to reduce engine RPM at highway speeds, boosting fuel economy and reducing engine noise.


• The final-drive ratio (the gear set that directly translates engine speed to wheel speed) interacts with the chosen gear count to determine overall acceleration and top speed.


• Engine torque characteristics matter: a torque-rich engine benefits more from extra gears because it can stay in its sweet spot across more gears.


• Weight, drivetrain layout (front-, rear-, or all-wheel drive), and transmission efficiency also influence how gearing translates to actual speed.

Bottom line: Simply counting gears doesn’t decide speed. The real effect comes from how the gear ratios, final drive, engine torque, and vehicle weight work together in the target range of driving conditions.

When a 5-speed might feel faster or be preferable

There are situations where a five-speed can feel quicker or be the better choice, depending on how the gearing is configured and how you drive.

• In light, naturally aspirated cars with aggressive, short low-to-mid gear spreads, a well-tuned five-speed can deliver quick, punchy acceleration in city and stop-and-go conditions.


• If a six-speed uses a very tall top gear, acceleration at lower speeds can feel sluggish; a five-speed with a more balanced spread may feel faster in daily driving.


• Driver preference and shifting style matter: some drivers achieve faster times by staying in the engine’s peak torque range, which can be easier with fewer gears.


• In older or more basic platforms, a lighter five-speed transmission can add slight performance benefits due to reduced drivetrain mass and mechanical losses.

In summary, a five-speed can be perceived as faster in certain contexts, especially with shorter gearing and lighter weight, but this is highly dependent on the engine’s torque curve and how the gears are tuned for the car’s intended use.

Choosing between 5-speed and 6-speed in practice

To determine which setup suits a given vehicle or driving style, focus on the complete gearing package rather than the number of gears alone. The following considerations help guide a practical choice.

• Compare the full gear ratio chart and final-drive ratio for each transmission to understand how engine RPM translates into wheel speed across all forward gears.


• Evaluate the engine’s torque curve: a motor with strong mid-range torque benefits more from additional gears because it can stay in its power band through more shifts.


• Consider typical driving: city commuting and climbing hills may benefit from closer ratios, while highway cruising often benefits from a lower engine RPM in top gear.


• Review real-world performance data (0–60 mph times, top speed, and fuel economy) for the specific models you’re evaluating, not just manufacturer marketing.

Bottom line: There isn’t a universal winner. The best choice depends on how the gear set is tailored to the engine’s power, the car’s weight, and your typical driving conditions.

Summary

In general, a six-speed transmission offers more versatility and tends to improve acceleration and highway efficiency by providing closer gear spacing and an efficient overdrive for cruising. A five-speed can feel faster in certain contexts—such as lighter cars with aggressive gearing or when the six-speed implementation uses a very tall top gear—though this is highly dependent on engine torque, final-drive ratios, and driving conditions. When evaluating a car, look beyond the number of gears and study the complete gearing, torque curves, and real-world performance data to judge which setup best matches your needs.

What are the benefits of a 6 speed transmission?

The six-speed transmission has been widely regarded as a standard in providing a balance between fuel economy and acceleration. With six ratios to choose from, the engine can perform optimally by staying closer to its power band—the range where it operates most efficiently and produces the best power output.

Is 5 speed or 6 speed better?

A 6-speed transmission is generally better for fuel efficiency and smoother highway cruising due to its extra overdrive gear. However, a 5-speed may be preferable in some applications, particularly in high-horsepower vehicles that require the robustness of a 5-speed, or in situations where a 6-speed's larger size and potential need for chassis modification is not feasible. 
6-speed advantages

• Fuel efficiency: An extra overdrive gear allows the engine to run at a lower RPM on the highway, which reduces fuel consumption and engine noise. 
• Better performance: With more ratios, a 6-speed transmission keeps the engine in its optimal power band, providing better acceleration and power delivery. 
• Smoother cruising: The extra gear results in quieter and more relaxed highway cruising, as the engine doesn't have to work as hard. 

5-speed advantages

• Simplicity and size: 5-speed transmissions are often more compact, making them a better fit in certain chassis without requiring modifications. They may also be considered simpler and more robust by some.
• Torque capacity: For certain high-performance applications with a high-horsepower engine, a 5-speed might be the only option if it can handle the torque better than a 6-speed.
• Cost: In some cases, a 5-speed transmission may be less expensive. 

Which one is right for you?

• Choose a 6-speed if: You prioritize fuel economy, a smoother highway ride, and performance. 
• Choose a 5-speed if: You need a transmission that is more compact, a better fit for your chassis, or if you are building a very high-horsepower vehicle where the 5-speed offers a more robust option. 
• Consider the application: The best choice depends on your specific vehicle and goals. For example, if you are swapping a transmission into an older car, a more compact 5-speed may be the only option without extensive chassis work. 

What is the advantage of 5 speed transmission?

The more speeds a transmission has, the easier it is for the engine to stay near where it produces the most power. More than just helping with accelerating, having more speeds helps with fuel economy. At any given speed, a transmission with more gears is better able to let the engine stay at a more efficient speed.

What is the difference between 5th gear and 6th gear?

A 6-speed transmission generally offers better fuel economy and performance than a 5-speed due to closer gear ratios and an extra overdrive gear. This allows the engine to stay in its optimal RPM range for both power and efficiency across a wider speed spectrum. However, 5-speeds can be simpler, lighter, and a good choice for some budget or classic cars where a larger 6-speed transmission might not fit without modifications. 
This video explains the differences between 5-speed and 6-speed transmissions: 40sSpeedway MotorsYouTube · Jul 31, 2024
6-speed advantages

• Better fuel economy: The extra gear, often a taller overdrive, allows for lower engine RPMs on the highway, leading to better fuel efficiency. 
• Improved performance: Closer gear ratios mean less of a drop in RPM when shifting, allowing the engine to stay in its power band more easily for a more responsive feel. 
• More power handling: A 6-speed is often a better choice for high-horsepower applications because it can handle more torque. 

5-speed advantages

• Simpler and lighter: 5-speed transmissions are typically simpler, lighter, and more compact. 
• Cost-effective: They are a good option for budget-friendly or older vehicles where a 6-speed might not be designed to fit without chassis modification. 
• Can be suitable for some high-performance vehicles: In specific cases, like older Corvettes, a 5-speed was the appropriate transmission and is kept in place unless significant modifications are planned. 

This video compares the fuel economy of different transmissions: 59sEngineering ExplainedYouTube · Aug 19, 2018