Hello, everyone.
This most likely is a dumb question, but well, I don't know any better, so here it is.
I have a '99 automatic. Having an auto transmission more or less defeats the purpose of owning a Miata, but auto Miatas are quite rare, so I'm pretty much OK with it, because I like something unique.
Anyhow, when I drive, say, around 65 mph, the tachometer indicates about 3,000 rpm. Somewhat above or below depending on whether I'm going uphill or downhill, but it usually stays somewhere 3,000 rpm zone.
Then I recently had a chance to drive a minivan (I think it was an old Nissan), which barely went above 1,500 rpm even if I hit 75~80 mph. So, my questions are:
Q1) Is 3,000 rpm at 65 mph on an automatic Miata normal? Q2) If so, does this mean my Miata is working harder (less efficient?) than the minivan? __ sol