While test driving the wifes 05 automatic, I noticed that while using the manual shift mode, in 6th gear (Overdrive?) and at 70 mph, the tach shows about 2900 rpm. The same speed in the automatic mode shows closer to 2500 rpm. Wouldn't I see the same rpm's in either mode.

 

Cooper or S? If its a Cooper, the CVT could do just about anything since it doesn't actually have gears.

With the S, you should see the same RPM. The only thing I can think of that would cause it to be different is if the torque converter is not locked, but it should be locked in your test.

 

I just looked at one of your old posts and it looks like she has a Cooper, so it has a CVT. It can run any RPM it needs to at a given speed and load.

 

The gearing is also different for the 6 speed manual vs. the 6 speed automatic (Cooper S). For the 6 speed auto in the S, 60 mph is at a lazy 2000 rpm in 6th gear. I think the rpm's are higher at 60 for the manual.