Correct way to describe gearing (low or high)

[Elkins45]

I was discussing the difference between the gearing in my old manual xB vs the automatic. At 70 mph the auto runs at 2700 rpm while in 5th gear the manual was at 3000. Since the manual runs at higher rpm is it correct to say that it's "geared lower" than the automatic because the ratio between engine revs and speed is lower? Or do I have that backwards?

 

[Nessism1]

You have it right

 

[spasm3]

I agree with you.

I would call the higher rpm a lower gear, I would also call that a higher ratio. I.E. 4:10 to 1 is a higher ratio, but a lower gear. Verses 2.76:1 which is a lower ratio but i higher gear.

 

[Patman]

I have always used the terms “taller” and “shorter” when referring to gears. For example, the stock rear end gearing in a Fox Body Mustang was 2.73 to 1. That’s what I would call the taller gearing. The common gear swap for those cars was either a 3.55 or 3.73 gear set. We’d call those shorter gearing.

 

[D60]

Think of it in terms of bicycles. Low gear = low speed. Machines have the advantage of caring less about RPM than human legs (proper cadence is a separate issue)

Or just look at any t-case lever: 4lo

The phrase "shift into high gear" means "andale, rapido!!"

 

[Kira]

Taller props for boats and "long-legged" for 18 wheelers.

 

[K2K2]

I'd be willing to bet the axles are geared the same, and the difference in engine speed is due to the transmission gearing.

But to answer original post, geared lower or shorter gears is how I've always heard it.

Lower/higher generally used for street vehicles, and shorter/taller for offroad vehicles. Not my nomenclature, just the way I've heard the terms used.