MaxxAddict

I was crusin on the highway today and noticed that when I was doing 60-65 mph, I was up over 2500 RPMs. I think Nissan screwed up here (or maybe my car is screwed up. lol) I mean, wouldn't one think that 5th gear is more of a crusing gear and not so much for instant power? 2500 RPMs are kinda high. I'd expect it to be more like 1700-2000 at 60mph. Anyone know what's up with this? Is it because the maxima doesn't have enough torque to effectively operate in 5th gear below 2000 RPMs? Just curious to see how you guys feel about the topic. Thanks.

TooMAX

iTrader: (1)

I think the ratio is fine. We just need a 6th gear.

96maxdaddy

Yeah a six speed would be nice for gas milage, but I still like being able to pass on the expressway without downshifting.

liqidvenom

iTrader: (6)

i think its done like that so we can pass people without having to downshift. but having a 6 sp would have been great.

Linkage23

iTrader: (2)

Max Addict: Don't you still get at least 25 mpg when cruising at the "high" RPMs in 5th? I have to agree with the rest of the replies; its perfect for what kind of car it is!

Gibby

Raise your hand if you ENJOY downshifting!
A Sixth gear, above the current 5th (not just re-working all the ratios to fix 6 in where 5 are now), would have been great! Especially considering all of the roads with higher speed limits now. Interstates are often 80 mph, and most all roads hear in Nebraska are at least 60, if not 65 mph.
BTW, sure 25 mpg isn't BAD (most do better, I believe), for a fun-to-drive family sedan. But wouldn't more be better?

Linkage23

iTrader: (2)

Obviously Gibby it would be better...But you're answering the obvious; it woul dbe better to have the Max come from the factory with forced induction but that's still another pipe-dream for many people....I must admit though, dreaming rocks!

Gibby

Agreed, except, I like the VQ as is, NA.
I didn't really answer the original post's question.
Possibly 5th gear could have been slightly higher. When the 4th Gen was in development, NO U.S. roads had 80 mph speed limits. So, I imagine, they didn't anticipate people would be spending long periods of time at these speeds.
I wouldn't mind having to down shift when passing from 60 mph. Heck, I do it most times now anyway.

Bobo

What states have 80 mph speed limits. I believe the highest in Washington, Oregon and California is 70 mph based on a friend's recent experience in driving from Vancouver, BC to San Francisco. Are there 80 mph speed limits or do people just drive 80? Also is there a rule of thumb overage that the police will allow, eg 77 mph in 70 zone.

96white

I train alot with the police in my city ( thinking about being a police officer) and when we do speed traps we look for people doing 70 AND ABOVE in a 55.

Just my .02

ManualMaxima

iTrader: (10)

yea being sble to pass with out downshifting is awsome.....the rpm's are kinda high at 80 and can get annoying after awhile but i do nto take my car on tips much so it does not bother me. a 6th gear would be awsome!

matty

iTrader: (54)

yea I do some ride alongs as well in my town and usually they wont pull out till there higher than 70 usually 71-73 and higher
for the 65 they look for 80 and above...usually 81-83 and higher

-matt

nismos14

iTrader: (56)

i get 28 + mpg doing 80+ on long trips so i dont have an issue with gas mileage, and i love not having to downshift, but i find myself dropping down to third or fourth to get away from the crowd alot.

DAVE Sz

iTrader: (2)

In 4th at 60 I'm just at 2krpms, ****ing AUTO POS. A longer 4th or 5th would be better but not all gears. Acceleration would probably suffer but we'd get a higher max speed.