why should i care that new car has 8 speeds?

Question

all that sounds like to me is an expensive repair job

Answer 1

yep thats all it is

Answer 2

Most 6 speeds are technically a "5+1" box, and 7-speeds are a "5+2". This means that it is a close-ratio 5-speed (5th gear is 1:1, like 4th on most cars), and 6th is an overdrive - its purpose is merely to lower the rpm when cruising at speed. A 7-speed box usually has 2 overdrive gears - suitable for high speed travel on expressways. I don't know the particular car you are refering to, but it's probably the same idea.

Some cars (the old Mitsubishi Colt, for example) had a 4-speed gearbox, and a 2-speed final drive. You selected the final drive ratio for either "power" or "economy" (the speedometer was designed to adjust automatically.) "Power" gave you better acceleration but a lower top speed, and "economy" did the opposite. This could also be called an 8-speed, although you can't use all 8 in a row - some of the gear ratios overlapped (that is, 3rd in power mode might be the same as 2nd in economy mode.)

Having the gear ratios closer together lets the manufacturer make use of a narrower powerband, which is what you get when you try to get more power from an engine. If you don't use top gear very often (if at all), this is because either the final drive ratio is too high for American speed limits, or as a gas-saving measure (it lets them claim unrealistic highway mileage.) I have known a number of people who have said the same thing - until they try it out on the autobahn. There, most cars (not sports cars, just regular 4-door sedans) cruise between 90 mph and 130 mph. Believe me, you need at least 6 gears! In the USA, cars these cars are sold with these ridiculously tall gears, because they make for great advertising. The manufacturer can claim great top speeds, orsimply make the car appear more sporty, whether the extra gears actually help it or not.

It all really depends on where you drive, your prefered style of driving - and the characteristics of your engine.

Answer 3

Eight speeds car will save you gas , give you the right speed in the right place , ie driving inside the city & on the highway ..

if you are a Speed Freak , this car is perfect for you , otherwise pick a less Complex and Gas Saving Model ..

Good Luck

Answer 4

More gimmicks to go wrong. I barely use sixth on the 6 speed I have. Unless the car is so underpowered it's likes a big rig and needs them all to get going.

Answer 5

You will never use all 8 speeds.... your right... I dont care!!