96/97 4 speed vs 5 speed

Subscribe
Jul 3, 2005 | 01:12 AM
  #1  
I'm just wondering for the last two years with the inline 6, there is two types of transmissions, the 4 speed and 5 speed, wondering if there is a huge diffference between the two between smoothness, acceleration, gas mileage?

Anyone happen to know the gear ratios for each gear of both of the transmissions?
Reply 0
Jul 3, 2005 | 01:42 AM
  #2  
The 5 speed should get better gas mileage and be less "buzzy" at freeway speeds. I don't know the gear ratios off the top of my head, but the 4th gear in both transmissions is a 1:1 direct drive. The 5 speed adds an overdrive that is around 0.83:1 or 0.75:1. The 5 speed is a lot smoother, but supposedly more troublesome.

In practical terms, the 4 speed hits 3,000 RPM in top gear at about 70 MPH, whereas the 5 speed doesn't cross 3,000 RPM until about 85 MPH. The 4 speed will have better freeway acceleration in top gear since the revs are higher. But if you manually shift the 5 speed down into 4th, they're identical.

Personally, I'd take the 5 speed.
Reply 0
Jul 3, 2005 | 01:48 AM
  #3  
Found the gear ratios for the 5 speed:
1st - 3.59
2nd - 2.19
3rd - 1.41
4th - 1.00
5th - 0.83
Reverse - 3.16
(there is a second reverse gear for W mode, which I suspect is close to 2nd forward - 2.19)
Reply 0
Jul 4, 2005 | 01:08 AM
  #4  
Can someone please describe the gear ratio numbers to me? Is it every wheel rotation to engine RPM?
Reply 0
Jul 4, 2005 | 10:30 AM
  #5  
Take example, 3rd gear: 1.41

It means the input shaft (before enterring the tranmission) have to turn 1.41 round for the output shaft (end of tranmission) to turn one round.

So yes, they're related to engine RPM. Knowing gear ratio and differential ratio, along with wheel diameter, you can calculate speed in related to engine RPM.


Quote: Can someone please describe the gear ratio numbers to me? Is it every wheel rotation to engine RPM?
Reply 0
Jul 4, 2005 | 03:49 PM
  #6  
read this
"How Gear Ratios Work"
Reply 0
Jul 4, 2005 | 11:17 PM
  #7  
Thanks very much!
Reply 0
Subscribe
Currently Active Users (1)
 
story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE