My newely purchased 2004 C5 has a 6 speed manual transmition. This is my first manual transmition since the 4 speed I had in my ( parden the referance ) 64 Mustang.
It seams that 1500 rpm is a comfortable rpm in all gears with no lack of exceleration when needed. The next gear down seams to be 2000 rpm whech sounds fine also.
My question is is it better to loaf the engine at 1500 or is it better to run a little higher rpm?
The average fuel consumption shows better at 1500.

 

Your question is kinda loaded! To steal a quote from a (in)famous person "It all depends on what the meaning of 'better' is". Do you want better fuel economy? Better performance? Better exhaust note?

The basic rule of thumb for fuel economy is that all things being equal, the lower the revs the less hungry the engine is. Of course that basic rule doesn't take into account lugging, etc. Also, vehicle speed matters. For example, my Z06 will do over 30 mpg if I keep the speed around 55 or so on the open highway and I'm in 6th gear. Raise that speed to 70 and my average mpg drops to 27.

Then again, you don't have as much torque available at lower engine speeds as you would at higher revs. This may be a factor when driving nice curvy "Corvette" roads

My advice is..... as long as you don't lug the engine, keep the revs as low as possible

 

Thank you for the response.
You stated whatI thought to be right. I just needed another opinion.
I am certain there will not be any engine lugging with this car.
I really loveaccelerating thru the gears.