[LiquidSilver]

Just out of curiosity. I'm completely new to driving standard- only started 3 weeks ago after making the purchase of the Mazda2. (I practiced before in a Porsche and MiniCooper S, but both were tricky as **** in their own ways).


Out of a concern for saving gas, I generally try to shift-up as soon as possible. If I am driving above 35MPH, I will shift as high as 5th gear. Basically, my rule is to shift as high as possible without lugging the engine.

Now. Please tell me if what I'm doing is completely stupid. If so, I will heed to your expertise in such matter. I am well aware that the owner's manual suggests to shift to 5th gear when you're at approximately 49mph. (I can be wrong about the number, I haven't looked at the book in a while).

 

[Sideways]

I'm new to driving standard as well. Generally when I'm around 45MPH I stick to 4th gear. I usually only go to 5th if I'm above 55.

 

[Scaphil]

The manual is a guideline. For the best millage I can get, I shift into 4th at 35 mph and 5th at 40 mph and I can get 34 to 36 mpg. Of course if i have to hurry up and get moving, I shift at higher speeds.

 

[Wall of Death]

2500rpm all day every day unless a hill is involved in which case 3500-4000rpm seems better.

 

[Troyohchatter]

Forget RPM for a bit. Old timer here. Most Japanese 5spd transmissions, the five fitting the bill, are designed for the following:

First to second: 15MPH
Second to Third: 25MPH
Third to Fourth: 40MPH

You will find if you use the above shift points, which again, are pretty standard when they design the car, the RPM is 3000. It was this way on every single japanese 4 and 5 speed manual I have owned, from my Mazda2 all the way back to my first, a 1980 Datsun 310GX.

Fourth to Fifth: Anytime you care to as fourth will run any legal speed

 

[jendd2]

I agree. And there's so little power in first and second gear on the Mazda 2 so you can to switch into higher gears like 3rd or 4th to start feeling more power.