I am totally new to the Mini world. I noticed my 06 MCS is running around 2-3k RPM on the freeway between 60-70 mph. Is this normal? It seems like a little higher than my Acura MDX.

Totally normal...

Yes ...

At 3K RPM you will be traveling at 69.8 MPH on 195/55-16 tires or 69.3 MPH on 205/45-17 tires.

R * 60 * 3.14159 * (W * P / 100 * 2 / 25.4 + D) / 12 / 5280 / G

What about air resistance? Tire wear? Friction factor of Pavement Material?

Didn't you like my non-tech answer better?

You get used to it, I kind-of miss the noise when I drive my wife's Benz and it's ticking over at 2,500 at 80ish-I can't even hear the engine!

we have a math genius here!!
but also did you guys notice after buyin your mini. a couple days/weeks/months later engine noise is louder? or is it cause i gun it sometimes?

tmtb, as stated above, totally normal.

I'm willing to guess your MDX has a V6 engine, right? Keep in mind that manufacturers match engines and transmissions for the best balance between power & economy (according to their requirements). Since a 4 cylinder engine will inherently/usually have less power at the same RPM as a V6, the manufacturers will generally put more aggressive gearing in a 4 cylinder in order to compensate.

As a general rule, even though the 4 cylinder will run at a higher RPM than the 6 cylinder when at the same highway speed, it will still be more efficient on gas.

If you think the MDX runs "quiet" at 60-70mph, try a modern V8 engine. Even quieter due to even lower RPM (performance exhaust notwithstanding, depending on the car you try).

Want even better? Try a V12. Buttery smooth. (it'll cost you in gas money though!)

^^Good analysis. My Firehawk and ex-GTO both run about 2000 rpm at 80 mph in 6th gear, for example. Try pushing down the gas in 6th gear at 2000 rpm in the Mini, and see what type of response you get, and you'll understand why they geared it the way they did.

MDX has a V6 loafing along trying to get mileage. You have a 1.6 4 spinning fast to make power in the MINI. Very different power plants in very different vehicles. To put things in perspective my Miata spins 4,000rpm at 70mph. To me the MINI is loafing along at 3,000rpm.

I was curious about also and checked it out with a stop watch on the interstate.
My 06 "S" with 6spd (dob 10/20/06) indicates 73 MPH @ 3000 RPM. Actual speed @ 3K is 70 MPH. The EU mfg cars seem to always show a little faster than the actual speed. I don't know who crashton is but we seem to be reading the same mail tonight.

I'm your MINI owning friend in Uptown Hooterville.

Your speedo readings are exactly the same as mine. My GPS says 73 mph on the speedo is really 70 mph.

Thanks everyone for the responses. It's really helpfful. You guys have so much knowledge about the Mini.

...quite possibly TOO much knowledge about the Mini!