I'm 42 years old and i've always had V8 equipped Camaros and Mustangs. With all the hype, my interest in a new and quicker car and maybe "stepping outside the box", I test drove an Evo today. Very impressed but I do have a 45 mile one way highway commute each day and was wondering if the lack of a 6th, cruising gear is a concern? Also, what RPM does the engine turn at 70 mph in 5th or do I care? Appreciate the answer/comments.

 

70 in 5th for me is about 3000-3200 depending on the grade of the road

 

Same results here. I'd like a 6th gear, too. Sometimes I drive my brother's Mustang GT, and the top 5th gear is very nice for cruising.

In general, V8's seem to rev low. Transistioning to high rev-ving turbo car might be "stepping out" of the box for you Stangar.

 

Well, CLeeEvo, maybe "stepping outside the box" is a good thing. I really liked the turbo rush and it's not something you have to use unless you want to. Kind of a Dr Jekyl/Mr Hyde personality. Loved the quick, direct steering coupled to the all wheel drive. Body ridgidity was superb compared to my Mustang and I think it even rode smoother. (That wouldn't take much, though).

 

I came from a 99 supercharged GT to the Evo and the Evo is the better car by far. The 'Stang ran a best of 11.9 in the 1320 so it was obviously faster. I also had Eibach sportlines, Tokico 5 way adjustable shocks, MM C/C plates, and a pair of weld-in Steeda subframe connectors. The ride in the Mustang was much harsher than the Evo and the handling didn't even compare, even with the couple of G in suspension. I drive the Evo 60+ miles a day to and from work and I still love driving it. 6th gear would be good, but it's also nice to punch it in 5th and actually be able to get out of your own way .

 

There are 6 speed EVOs elsewhere in the world... if your 5 speed blows up, throw in a 6 speed, and whala!

 

5th gear is really nice

i have no problems with it

 

Optimal highway cruising speed for me is around 85 to 90mph. Seems like the RPM and noise level is about right at this speed.

 

I live in greater LA area, too. So, I understand your concern. I seriously don't think that the Evo needs a 6th gear for cruising. Evo has a "sweet" cruising spot between 2500-4000 rpm IMO that makes you still good even if you cruise at 80-90 mph. The I4 engine is pretty much resistant free that allows you to cruise it a higher rpm compared to the bigger V engines. Before anyone pointing a gun at me for this issue, let me say that my other rides are a 6sp 5.0 V8 and a 6sp 7.0 V12 . So, I am entitled for this comparisson.

I dont think I need to convince you about the performance or talk about the ride; you test drove the car.

You will also appreciate the extra capabilities of the Evo to handle the rain condition compared to live axle V8s

My only complain is (and I think everyone who commute in LA are will feel the same way, too) is the smallish gas tank. You need to do a fill up for every 190-220 miles (since it is better to have at least 1/4 tank of gas in a turbo car).

Good luck.

 

Fifth gear shouldn't be a problem, since it IS an overdrive gear. The gearing on the EVO is quite nice, for a five speed. My biggest complaint is cruising on streets with a 45-55 MPH speed range. I have a hard time choosing between 4th and 5th.

If the EVO had 6 gears, the gearing would be completely different so it's really difficult to even say that it would need an extra gear.

Cruising at 70 in the EVO is quite smooth -- I wouldn't worry about 'losing' anything by going to an EVO.

Cabo

 

I let a friend of mine autocross my Evo today because his mustang broke down after his first run.

By the end of the run group, he was practically begging me to take his race tires and let him codrive for the rest of the season.

 

don't flame me guys, but dude go look at the subarus, they have a much softer ride, don't handle quite as good but have more power, they also have a sicth gear and cruise control... just my opinion.

 

try drivin my 02' SI...70 mph is like 4000-4200 rpm's.....this car needs a 6th

<----me lookin for my 6th

 

Nice

 

Sa-weet! Another convert.