since when do automatics suck that much?

I know the 5spd makes driving more spirited, but its not like the auto really drains that much power from the things.

 

Ok, so I've had my car for a day now and the RPM's seem incredibly high, even for a 4 cylinder. What should the RPM's be at 80 MPH in 5th? I'm riding at 3900 going 80, doesn't that pretty much obliterate the gas mileage?

 

Nope. 3900 at 80mph is perfectly normal.
Throttle position has a far greater impact on MPG than sustained RPM.

As an example, on my last run from LA to Santa Rosa, I spent the better part of 5 hrs in between 3700 and 4000rpm in my 97 Integra LS. That one-way average came out to 32 mpg.

This was mostly because I kept the car in top gear, kept off the throttle and let the cruise control buttons handle acceleration for passing.

If I were to drop down to 4th and nail the throttle to pass, the average drops to about 29 mpg or worse.

 

Wow, alright then. Thx for all the help guys.

 

Welcome to the board BTW. :cheers:

Come on down to The Basement forum if you haven't already done so.
It's a little rowdy down there, so be warned. :run: