🚀 go-pugleaf

I thought one of the virtues of 5 speed transmissions was
that one could obtain better MPG, as compared to 4 speeds
(the reason being the engine runs at a slower and perhaps more
efficient speed while in 5th).

This is not true specifically in the case of the Toyota Tercel.
The quoted MPG for the 4 speed is significantly higher than that
of the 5 speed, in the manufacturers brochure.
(Note that the engine size is 1.5 litres for both of them: in
some cars, the 4 speed version, being the el-cheapo, has the smaller
engine and consequent higher MPG).

What then are the virtues of 5 speed vs. 4 speed?

Ali Shaik (..ihnp4!philabs!ams )
"25 years experience writing disclaimers for the self-employed"