Differences between 5 speed vs. 6 speed manuals?
01-22-2012, 07:27 PM
#1
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Join Date: Feb 2005
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Differences between 5 speed vs. 6 speed manuals?
Hi guys,
I am looking to buy a manual Maxima somewhere in the 2000-2004 range. There are 5 speeds and 6 speeds available and I am wondering if there is a benefit/disadvantage to either? I've done some searching but can't find the comparison details I am looking for.
I'm interested in all details. Thanks in advance for the help!
I am looking to buy a manual Maxima somewhere in the 2000-2004 range. There are 5 speeds and 6 speeds available and I am wondering if there is a benefit/disadvantage to either? I've done some searching but can't find the comparison details I am looking for.
I'm interested in all details. Thanks in advance for the help!
01-22-2012, 07:53 PM
#3
the only similarity is that both transmissions are manual... other that than those two are completely different nothing similar in the gear ratios ... many people prefer the 5 speed due to better gear ratios... also I know that you can find a 5 speed with lsd idk about the 6 speed, not sure
01-22-2012, 08:00 PM
#4
One transmission have a maximum of 6gears (including reverse) and one 7......... I mean really............ if you have a 95-01 save urself the hassle and 5spd swap... the only and absolute only plus IMO is using 6th gear to cruise (I somewhat miss that)... there is probebly no roads you will ever be on to do speeds so high you would need 6th gear...... I been past 160mph in 5th (*closed roads 
) plus the gearing in the 5MT is longer to those of the 6MT...
) plus the gearing in the 5MT is longer to those of the 6MT...
01-22-2012, 08:03 PM
#5
the only similarity is that both transmissions are manual... other that than those two are completely different nothing similar in the gear ratios ... many people prefer the 5 speed due to better gear ratios... also I know that you can find a 5 speed with lsd idk about the 6 speed, not sure
01-22-2012, 08:13 PM
#6
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Location: Jacksonville, FL
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Also, the 00-01 5-speeds have the 3.0 liter engine, where as the 02-03 6-speeds have the 3.5 liter engine. There are also some minor body changes, different lead lights, and the 02-03's can get Navigation. I've never heard or seen an 00-01 with nav.
01-22-2012, 08:17 PM
#7
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the only similarity is that both transmissions are manual... other that than those two are completely different nothing similar in the gear ratios ... many people prefer the 5 speed due to better gear ratios... also I know that you can find a 5 speed with lsd idk about the 6 speed, not sure
Thanks. Are there fundamental differences in the designs besides the gear ratios that make one stronger/better than the other? Not to underestimate poor ratios - I've had a car like that in the past where I didn't like the transmission gear ratios...
I had a 1997 Maxima with a 5 speed that had a ton of "drivetrain slop", especially noticeable in 1st gear, but also noticeable at highway speeds going on and off the throttle. I checked motor mounts, halfshafts, etc., and never was able to pinpoint the source. Part of me wondered if it was the transmission, but I never drove similar year cars to know if it was a generational problem or unique to my car...
Keep the info coming! I'm interested in all details. Thanks!
01-22-2012, 08:17 PM
#8
I have both the 5spd and 6spd and i personally prefer my 6spd better!! and yes its HLSD gotta love the 5.5gen TE!! My 4th gen is 5spd and heavily modded (greddy sp2 exhaust) and at 60mph I'm at like 2900rpms (which gets annoying at long cruises) vs 2K on my 5.5.
Actually come to think of it, the freaking BOV is louder.. and the only way to shut it up is to gas the car.. lol
Actually come to think of it, the freaking BOV is louder.. and the only way to shut it up is to gas the car.. lol
Last edited by maxima92se; 01-22-2012 at 08:20 PM.
01-22-2012, 08:21 PM
#9
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Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Posts: 10,349
One thing i've come across frequently here on this forum is something called the "3rd gear crunch" with the 6-speed that some people experience when shifting from 2nd to 3rd under hard acceleration. Since I don't own one of these I cannot give any more comments about that other than what i've read from other's experiences.
01-23-2012, 04:06 AM
#10
I used to have a 97 Maxima AUTO without LSD and it was modded with y-pipe, CAI, transmission mod, etc. I HATED that one wheel pull. When you accelerated hard the car would pull to one side, nasty wheel tug. Now that I have my 02 Maxima with 6-speed manual HLSD its SO much better. I have driven Maxima 5-speeds. I like the 6-speed better because of the gearing and the extra gear helps save gas. Honestly...you really cant compare. The 3.0L engine (190-220hp) is connected to a 5-speed.....and the 3.5L engine (255hp) is connected to the 3.5L.
....
01-23-2012, 07:07 AM
#15
On a RWD car, or a car that experiences snow/wet conditions (canada), LSD is absoulutely something you want, and you'll notice it if you don't have it even if yo'ure an amature driver.
Now. The difference is the 6 speed is HLSD, the 5 speed is VLSD. The HLSD is more reliable long-term in the way of functionallity, as the VLSD's fluid breaks down over time/mileage. However, when the VLSD wears out it just doesn't work as well, when the HLSD wears out it needs repair cause it'll make noise and could cause other damage. not a big concern by any means becasue the HLSD does't wear out
The 6 speed is a much better overall transmission. The 2002/2003 versions had a few issues that were almost completely fixed in 2005
Go for the 6 speed more because it mates to the more powerful 3.5 liter engine. THAT's where you attention should lie.
01-23-2012, 07:20 AM
#17
In the states for DD activities yes, LSD's are mostly hype especially on a FWD car.
On a RWD car, or a car that experiences snow/wet conditions (canada), LSD is absoulutely something you want, and you'll notice it if you don't have it even if yo'ure an amature driver.
Now. The difference is the 6 speed is HLSD, the 5 speed is VLSD. The HLSD is more reliable long-term in the way of functionallity, as the VLSD's fluid breaks down over time/mileage. However, when the VLSD wears out it just doesn't work as well, when the HLSD wears out it needs repair cause it'll make noise and could cause other damage. not a big concern by any means becasue the HLSD does't wear out
The 6 speed is a much better overall transmission. The 2002/2003 versions had a few issues that were almost completely fixed in 2005
Go for the 6 speed more because it mates to the more powerful 3.5 liter engine. THAT's where you attention should lie.
On a RWD car, or a car that experiences snow/wet conditions (canada), LSD is absoulutely something you want, and you'll notice it if you don't have it even if yo'ure an amature driver.
Now. The difference is the 6 speed is HLSD, the 5 speed is VLSD. The HLSD is more reliable long-term in the way of functionallity, as the VLSD's fluid breaks down over time/mileage. However, when the VLSD wears out it just doesn't work as well, when the HLSD wears out it needs repair cause it'll make noise and could cause other damage. not a big concern by any means becasue the HLSD does't wear out
The 6 speed is a much better overall transmission. The 2002/2003 versions had a few issues that were almost completely fixed in 2005
Go for the 6 speed more because it mates to the more powerful 3.5 liter engine. THAT's where you attention should lie.
This basically sums it up. The 6MT has better gear ratios, better gas mileage because of the 6th cruising gear and is mated to the 3.5 in its native form. The cables are also a lot easier to deal with than the 5MT linkage. Not saying the 5MT is bad. You'll be happy with either one.
01-23-2012, 07:25 AM
#18
Maybe cause the bulk of the speed freaks are southerners, and it'd be near impossible to find an LSD maxima around there.
To get techical, non-LSD is less rotational mass so from that perspective it's faster, and also less sporadic transfer of power.
Solid diff would be faster than both at the straight line track.
To get techical, non-LSD is less rotational mass so from that perspective it's faster, and also less sporadic transfer of power.
Solid diff would be faster than both at the straight line track.
01-23-2012, 07:39 AM
#19
Sparks ran his 12.6 with an open diff 6mt, I have had both, 03 6mt open diff and 01 AE LSD 5 sp and don't notice a big enough difference between either to favor one or the other. First gear seems shorter in the 5 mt but i think that might have something to do with the blower 
01-23-2012, 07:49 AM
#20
Sparks ran his 12.6 with an open diff 6mt, I have had both, 03 6mt open diff and 01 AE LSD 5 sp and don't notice a big enough difference between either to favor one or the other. First gear seems shorter in the 5 mt but i think that might have something to do with the blower
01-23-2012, 07:51 AM
#21
Can't believe how many posts went up before this. The 6MT is a cable linkage.
If you want a short-throw mod on a cable linkage, you relocate the cable with an easy mod. But if you want to convert your 5MT to a short-throw, you need to replace the armature.
That's an odd range, OP. The 2004 Maxima is a completely different model; (6th gen). Only the 2004 Infiniti I35 retained the 5th gen Maxima design.
Last edited by Rochester; 01-23-2012 at 07:55 AM.
01-23-2012, 07:54 AM
#22
It kind of sucks, Literally as soon as i punch it in first i don't even have to look at the tach lol. The tires light up for a second and then it's in to second. It's kind of hard to get going with traction issues and the short first gear.
01-23-2012, 08:01 AM
#24
All the other cool kids w/ DE-K's are doing it
But we're OT.
Lets say something helpful.....
The 6mt Has two Final drive options that are noticeably different.
The 4.1 Which came in 02-06 Sentra Spec-V's / 04-06 Maximas / 05-06 Altima SE-Rs
Or the 3.7 which came in the 02-03 Maxima.
The 4.1 is a very nice and lively gear setup, made my lame 3.0 very fun and hell, you see the sig right? Definitely not happening in a 5mt.
The 3.7 is essentially a 5MT w/ a 6th gear, but 3rd and 4th are flip flopped around. Let me explain it, the 4th gear in the 5mt is like 2nd, it's a short gear, but on the 6MT it's a longer than 3rd... BUT! The 3rd gear on the 6mt is shorter than the 5MT 3rd gear... which is forever long.
The 5MT's final drive selection varies, there are people who have speculated using JDM final drives that are shorter w/ longer 5th gears so they can retain highway MPG but have a more pep in their step, but so far from what I've gathered it's mostly speculation. If one was interested in modding the 5MT considerably I'd hang around nicoclub or where ever 90s Altima modders frequent.
But the common options are the Open diff 5mt which allows first gear to go over 40mph (42 IIRC) and the locking diff which leaves first to 39mph.
Last edited by aackshun; 01-23-2012 at 08:08 AM.
01-23-2012, 09:14 AM
#30
I loved third though.
And cool info aackshun didn't know the gearing differed between LSD and non LSD
01-23-2012, 09:16 AM
#31
And I'm somewhat ammused by the wealth of info coming out for the OP, considering it seems that the largest usable bit of info he is getting is that the 2004 is a completely different car, and that the 2002/2003 were a very different car as well, with the bigger engine. neither of those points really involve the transmission, let alone the spec's.
01-23-2012, 09:32 AM
#32
I have both the 5spd and 6spd and i personally prefer my 6spd better!! and yes its HLSD gotta love the 5.5gen TE!! My 4th gen is 5spd and heavily modded (greddy sp2 exhaust) and at 60mph I'm at like 2900rpms (which gets annoying at long cruises) vs 2K on my 5.5.
Actually come to think of it, the freaking BOV is louder.. and the only way to shut it up is to gas the car.. lol
Actually come to think of it, the freaking BOV is louder.. and the only way to shut it up is to gas the car.. lol
01-23-2012, 04:57 PM
#33
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Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Dallas, TX
Posts: 489
And I'm somewhat ammused by the wealth of info coming out for the OP, considering it seems that the largest usable bit of info he is getting is that the 2004 is a completely different car, and that the 2002/2003 were a very different car as well, with the bigger engine. neither of those points really involve the transmission, let alone the spec's.
01-23-2012, 05:14 PM
#34
^^^ This, We Dyno'd my old 03 6MT and my friends 02 6MT on the same dyno, My car having factory fuel cut and his with a TS reflash to 7200. My 4th gear pull hit 114 mph and his hit 120 something, Extended revs would probably make a difference in my first gear and make some more power. I need an EU.
01-23-2012, 05:19 PM
#36
I saw 30 plus MPG a few times on the highway with the cruise on at 65/70, Used to love it, Now being supercharged and 5 MT I don't pay attention to MPG's mainly because i don't want to know
That and im usually in boost most of the time
01-23-2012, 05:24 PM
#37
the 3.5 Liter has more power, more torque, and gets much better fuel mileage than the 3.0 liter.
Do some searching you'll find countless threads for pros/cons. keep in mind the bulk of people on here have 5.5's (2002/2003), so they're biased a bit, but rightfully so the 2000/2001 doesn't really compare on any level except reliability of the engine, and the lower purchase price. The 5.5 is just a better car.
Do some searching you'll find countless threads for pros/cons. keep in mind the bulk of people on here have 5.5's (2002/2003), so they're biased a bit, but rightfully so the 2000/2001 doesn't really compare on any level except reliability of the engine, and the lower purchase price. The 5.5 is just a better car.
01-23-2012, 05:33 PM
#38
the 3.5 Liter has more power, more torque, and gets much better fuel mileage than the 3.0 liter.
Do some searching you'll find countless threads for pros/cons. keep in mind the bulk of people on here have 5.5's (2002/2003), so they're biased a bit, but rightfully so the 2000/2001 doesn't really compare on any level except reliability of the engine, and the lower purchase price. The 5.5 is just a better car.
Do some searching you'll find countless threads for pros/cons. keep in mind the bulk of people on here have 5.5's (2002/2003), so they're biased a bit, but rightfully so the 2000/2001 doesn't really compare on any level except reliability of the engine, and the lower purchase price. The 5.5 is just a better car.
The 5/5 is a better car but it depends how you set it up. My 03 was in a little better shape than my 01 but my 01 out looks, out handles and would put a beatdown on my 03 in any kind of straight line speed run. And my 03 made 250 whp so it wasn't a slouch either, Just depends how it's set up. AS far as MPG'S go the 5/5 wins that one but i don't care about that because it's parked for the winter and it's not my daily driver.
Last edited by 036mtmax; 01-23-2012 at 05:35 PM.
01-23-2012, 06:02 PM
#40
The 5/5 is a better car but it depends how you set it up. My 03 was in a little better shape than my 01 but my 01 out looks, out handles and would put a beatdown on my 03 in any kind of straight line speed run. And my 03 made 250 whp so it wasn't a slouch either, Just depends how it's set up. AS far as MPG'S go the 5/5 wins that one but i don't care about that because it's parked for the winter and it's not my daily driver.
Don't think gearing is the big thing there bro.And your dash mileage gauge doesn't read accurately dude. You'd be lucky to get 28 MPG ACTUAL mileage based off that assumed reading. Thought that's still incredibly impressive mileage.