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I have 2002 Civic EX 5spd. My brother-in-law has a 2001 EX with an automatic.

He claims his runs at:
~2800 RPM @ 70 MPH
~3100 RPM @ 80 MPH

mine runs at:
~3400 RPM @ 70 MPH
~3900 RPM @ 80 MPH

Are they really that much different? (OD in an automatic vs. 5th gear in a manual)

I love driving mine around town here in Duluth, MN (which is a very hilly town) as I get about 35 mpg. But, when I get out on the highway, I get worse mileage unless I only drive 60 MPH. Maybe its just not a great highway vehicle but I was really surprised at the difference in RPMs at the same speeds.

 
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he shifts sooner, you shift later...

 
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What I meant was, shouldn't my tallest gear (5th) run at the same (or lower) RPMs as his? (since his is a 4 speed automatic).

ie:shouldn't we both be at the same RPMs at 70 mph?

 
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i dont know look up the 7th gen gear ratios and compare the two...

ill bet the close to the same.

post the info if you find it.

 
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that sounds about right.....

automatic only has 4 speed

 
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If you want a higher ring and pinion ratio (fewer rpm's per speed) you could swap out your ring and pinion set with a set from a non-EX model. The EX has a lower (sportier) gearing then all other models. Of course the cost of installation would take you 100,000's of highway miles to payoff in gas savings.

 
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i have an 02 lx auto and get about the same as him (maybe closer to 3k at 80...i'll double check tomorrow