Quote:
Originally Posted by Irish911
would the 4 speed not have been faster as you would have had fewer gears to pass through to get up to speed?
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The difference is the gearing advantage of the 5-spd (closer ratios and higher torque multiplier) put the engine in the peak torque-peak power band for more of the acceleration run. This more than offsets the delays of shifting. That said, you're correct that shifts take time to complete and more shifts = more time so that takes away some of the gains from the more optimal gearing.
More of a factor on a road course where gear selection is more critical to acceleration off a corner.