Highest constant RPM driving the Mirage, and the Mirage's top speed

[dspace9]

Here is the info we've collected on transmissions and gear ratios for the Mirage:

Gear ratios: 2014 Mirage transmissions, 5-spd manual & CVT (speed vs. RPM chart)

I do all my shifts by ear, I can tell what the engine likes, and I try to rev-match. Not everyone's cup of tea to drive a car like that, but I find I get more oomph out of the Mirage's small motor with the manual.

[foama]

Are you saying North americans have homer simpson eye que?

Ha ha! No, of course not, but some makers think of consumers as a heard of sheep and treat us accordingly. Take fashion or something else for example. We should always remain critical of what we do.
I personally do what I think, not what some CEO assumes or hopes one of those dumn flocks will do for his benefit.

Anyhow, a tall top gear is a very good! For example the tiny 3cyl. Daihatsu Cuore with about 2000 rpm at 100km/h is just right. Unfortunately a ten year old Cuore can easily cost 50% or more of its new price.

[RogerF765]

I commute 155 miles round trip at 70ish mph with no problems. At 70 it’s knocking out about 44 mpg with the 5 speed.

[RogerF765]

I test drove the CVT and came back and bought the manual because to me it is far more responsive than the CVT.

[dspace9]

I test drove the CVT and came back and bought the manual because to me it is far more responsive than the CVT.

I never test drove the CVT, but a small car like this is probably best-suited with a 5 speed manual. I also find having a clutch makes winter driving a little less harried; gives you that edge of control when you need to cut the engine's power.

[RogerF765]

Even in sport mode you really had to be heavy on the gas. I honestly think that the 5 speed is a lot quicker if driven correctly.

[7milesout]

Assuming all fluids were in good shape, of adequate supply, and no leaks existed, the 1.2L should be turning about 5,325 rpm at 105 mph.

I would have to run an instrument (like a scangauge) on the coolant to ensure the coolant temp did not constantly increase ... but I'm guessing it would hit a manageable max and no longer climb. My contention is a Mirage should be able to run 105 mph for as long as it meets the requirements of the first sentence and has gas. With probably little to no side effect.

[RogerF765]

I haven't driven a 5 speed mirage but have driven dozens of cvt ones. Some are quick and responsive and some are unresponsive turds. I had a driver mention the same thing the other day after driving a different Mirage for a day with similar mileage to his regular car. I've yet to figure out why.

I'm sure the 5speed is quicker than the cvt though sometimes speed is deceptive.

The CVT that I test drove at the dealer was definitely in the turd category. I much prefer being able to keep the engine in peak power manually when I need to. My girlfriend however wasn’t happy that I bought the manual though because she can’t drive one...lol.

[Eggman]

The CVT that I test drove at the dealer was definitely in the turd category. I much prefer being able to keep the engine in peak power manually when I need to. My girlfriend however wasn’t happy that I bought the manual though because she can’t drive one...lol.

It's never too late to learn. Besides, the Mirage has the lightest clutch.

[inuvik]

I commute 155 miles round trip at 70ish mph with no problems. At 70 it’s knocking out about 44 mpg with the 5 speed.

Now that's a professional level commute! Good choice with the 5 speed. I have a CVT but when I purchase another Mirage I'll get a 5 speed.