I'm sure this has been brought up before, but why are their different gear ratios for the MCSa? What impact does this have on performance?

Thanks
RM2k5

 

dito

 

It might have something to do with powertrain loss due to the torque converter in the automatic transmission... I dont know what effect it will have on performance, but an auto will have less power than a manual equal because of powertrain loss...

 

I can attest to this. Dyno runs on my 2005 automatic MCS with mods nearly identical to a 2005 manual MCS tested on the same day / same dyno show noticeably lower power at the wheels. My back-of-the-envelope calculations indicate that if the drivetrain loss on the manual MCS is around 12% then the automatic is around 22%, perhaps more.

 

Gear ratios are usually different to compensate for added weight of the automatic, the increased drivetrain power loss with the automatic, and also to maximize gas mileage.

Steve

 

http://www.mini2.com/forum/faq.php?f...speed_in_gears
there doesnt seem to be that much of a diff