pro and cons 5 vs 6 sp

I've had both and like the 6 speed better. While the ratios may be a little closer and a little lower overall, essentially, it drives like a 5 speed with an overdrive gear. 70 MPH on the interstate is about 500 RPM lower. This makes quite a difference in the noise level and the car seems more comfortable when cruising. I have not noticed any difference in fuel economy, but I tend to have a heavy right foot, getting only 22 to 24 MPG in mixed driving. I do get a kick out of going through the gears around town and it is easier to maintain the RPMs I want when I go up into the mountains. Finally, this doesn't make a lot of sense, but the car seems to need less shifting when stuck in 20 MPH rush hour traffic.

I have the 6-speed, and have barely driven a 5-speed. But still I will counter what the above poster said. It wasn't as much as 500 rpm, more like 250, and now with the shorter final drive on the

6-speed, the top gear cruise rpm for the 5 & 6 should be almost identical.

The 6 will definitely pull in 1st on the 5 speed. And if you really like to stir the gears, I suppose the 6 may suit you.

But many more folk have had issues with the 6 (grinding, balky shifts) including me. I rarely if ever read complaints with the

1. Maybe a quality control issue.

Bottom line, if it wasn't for me wanting the '01 SE, I'd pick a

5-speed. I consider 6-speeds to *usually* be more of a marketing thing than anything else.

Or do you mean auto? I personally would never buy an auto sports car.

Definitely not an auto. Was thinking more toward the 5sp but at this time not a big choice. May have to get the 6. Just don't like paying extra for something with no advantages.

Partially going back on what I recommended, here is perhaps a reason to get the 6-spd: Mazda's usual horrible package options.

If you want ABS (have it and like it), it looks like you have to get an LS with 6-speed.

If you want the sport suspension (wish I had it), you either get a base model (5-speed) or LS+6-speed.

If you can do without ABS and leather, I'd just find a base with the suspension pkg which also adds the limited slip diff (std on LS).

Good luck!