gas loss with gears

[Mr 5 0]

NO SLO PK:

Steeper differential gears will allow you to upshift (to a higher transmission gear) sooner - especially in traffic - which saves gas, as the lower the (transmisssion) gear you're in, the higher the engine RPM, which in turn uses more gasoline.

The 5.0 engine is interesting when it comes to gas mileage. I find that if I watch my driving and use cruise control I can get mid-20's on the highway, easily (I saw 28 mpg on one 500 mile trip) By the same token, if i get in it just a bit, WHAM! I'm looking at low-teens or worse for mileage...and I'm near-stock.

I drive somewhat aggressively but not to the point of really 'beating' my Mustang and I consistantly see an average of about 18 mpg with a well-tuned, near stock, 5-speed 5.0 running 3.55 gears. Go figure.

FYI: Cold temperatures have a negative effect on gas mileage. You can lose a few mpg in really cold weather, plus if you idle a lot to 'warm it up', you're getting zero mpg, then. It all factors in.