That sums this up as well as anyone could state.

 

In way less words than I used................

 

The mileage isn't 'spread' per se. My wife drives the HHR exclusively. The Ranger is my dalily driver. The other cars are basically toys.

 

I was thinking the same thing but not G6. I have been waiting to check out a 2012 Buick Regal GS Turbo... I am thinking that might be the ticket since the wheel base is very close. When I am running on the highway I so want to grab 6th

 

Was mulling this 5 speed/ 6 speed swap over in my head. Does anyone have some gear ratio comparisons between the stock 5 speed and a possible 6 speed replacement? Seems to me the final drive gear ratio on the 6 speed is
"not" going to achieve what the OP wants.(rpm drop) A straight trans swap won't change the final drive ratio much,if at all. Wont matter what trans you put in there unless it has the right gearing. You could put an 8 speed in but if it's not geared right whats the point.
If someone can find some gearing comparisons I think it would shed some light on this.
All else fails.Slap on some 26"s and watch the gearing and rpms drop.

 

What about the Cruze 6-speed?

 

maybe i should try a different approach, I think GM dropped the ball, the solstice gxp, cobalt ss,..... all performance "type" cars that are manual should have 6 speed, 4 speeds were fine for the 60's and 70's , mid 80'-90's 5 speeds and natural proggression... 6 speeds. My last car a 03 svt focus had 6 speeds not that the 6th gear helped economy but it could have. there are plenty of manufacturers producing 6 speeds, FWD and RWD.

 

Part of it is a "ratio war" going on, if 5-speeds are good, 6 are better right. Now Porsche has a 7-speed manual, and we're seeing 8, 9, and 10-speed automatics in other brands.

If the there is a genuine performance or economy benefit to be had from more ratios, that's fine. But I think we're seeing a minor revival of what happened in the 60's when you had to have a "4 on the floor" to be considered cool, now you better have 6-speeds or more, otherwise you're behind the times.

 

I agree with 843, Even new harleys have 6 speeds.. Even tho 6th gear is still a 1:1 ratio.. This is no benefit.. It's now a close ratio joke..

My 3 speed Flathead has a 1:1 trans ratio in 3rd gear....

Bert Baker of Baker Driveline has (DD7) 7 speed trannys, that have a true OD hi-gear..

Do they need all those gears. No, it's a "keep up with the jones" kinda thing.

 

i agree i thing if you have the extra gears you shoul make use of it.