Maximizing Speed: Starting a Manual-Transmission Car in the Highest Gear

The Mechanics of Starting in High Gear

Starting a manual-transmission car in the highest gear on a straight, flat surface may eventually reach the same top speed as starting in low gear and progressing up normally. However, there are a few factors to consider. The initial heavy strain on the legs (or engine) might make it more difficult to get the car moving from a stop in the highest gear. Additionally, the mechanics of a manual car and a bike are different, so the same intuition may not apply.

Factors Affecting Top Speed

The maximum speed a car can reach is determined by various factors, such as friction (road and air) and the gear ratios of the transmission. If components like the clutch do not overheat or fail, and the setup and gear ratios are identical, the top speed should be the same regardless of the starting gear. However, it's important to note that starting a car from higher gears can be difficult but possible with patience and gentle acceleration.

Overcoming Inertia and Acceleration

Accelerating from higher gears will result in slower acceleration but can still reach the same top speed. The torque provided by the highest gears should be sufficient to overcome inertia, assuming the transmission is not geared in a way that limits torque. Starting a car in second or third gear in icy conditions is common to prevent wheel spin, but starting in fifth gear can be a struggle. However, with the right technique of revving the engine and feathering the clutch, it can be achieved.

Challenges and Limitations

The main difficulty in starting in the highest gear is not stalling the engine at very low speeds. Riding the clutch can help maintain enough speed for the engine to run without stalling. It's important to understand that the maximum speed a car can reach is determined by overcoming the initial inertia and maintaining acceleration. On the other hand, the force created by the legs on a bike does not have a minimum RPM requirement like an internal combustion engine. The maximum force the legs can generate on a bike is limited by the roll resistance and gear ratio.

Conclusion

The limited speed a manual car or bike can reach is dependent on the ability to get it moving from a stop. The maximum speed a car can reach is limited by friction from the road and air. The thought experiment of starting a car in the highest gear assumes no component failures or heating issues, and the teeth of the thought experiment are weakened by the numerous "ifs" involved. Ultimately, patient and gentle acceleration is key to getting a car moving from a stop in higher gears.