Question 1

What does a higher gear ratio mean for a vehicle?

Accepted Answer

A higher (numerically larger) gear ratio provides more torque multiplication — better acceleration and hill-climbing ability but lower top speed. A lower ratio provides higher top speed and better fuel economy but less low-end torque. This is why first gear has the highest ratio and top gear has the lowest.

Question 2

How does the final drive ratio affect performance?

Accepted Answer

The final drive (differential) ratio multiplies with the transmission ratio for total gear reduction. A 4.10 final drive gives more acceleration than a 3.23 from the same transmission. Changing the final drive ratio is a common performance modification — higher for drag racing, lower for highway fuel economy.