Both 4.7 and 5.1 Final Drives are taking control over the industry with their outstanding features and specs! But have you wondered how both these gear ratios differ in the first place?
Well, both these Final Drives differ in their ways! Whether it be through exerting more torque on the wheels, giving you more acceleration, or even ensuring more comfortable engine performance.
So, here in the 4.7 Final Drive vs. 5.1 Final Drive blog, we’ll provide some amazing facts about these gear ratios! Therefore, read on till the very end.

What Is Final Drive?
Have you ever wondered how your automobile drives forward or backward? Well, that’s where the Final Drive comes in! It works like an intermediary between the engine and the wheels.
Moreover, it will be suitable to consider it as a pair of gears at your vehicle’s backend that transfers power from the engine to the wheels.
That’s not all; the Final Drive ratio even specifies how many times the engine rotates for each wheel revolution, which impacts the car’s speed and fuel consumption.
The Final Drive connects the engine and the wheels, allowing your vehicle to move smoothly.
4.7 And 5.1 Final Drives: Comparison

Here in this section, we’ll give you an overall comparison of both 4.7 and 5.1 Final Drive and help you decide to pick the best one for you
4.7 Final Drive
4.7 Final Drive is a gear ratio that can be found in the rear differential of a vehicle. And most drivers prefer this Final Drive over others because it provides higher acceleration to the car with lower top speed and better fuel economy.
And it’s also one of the top reasons for many car enthusiasts to pick this Final Drive. Moreover, when compared, the fuel efficiency it offers is remarkable.
Good Sides
- One of the most significant advantages of the 4.7 Final Drive is that it can exert more torque on the wheels, ultimately providing better low-end acceleration.
- It even provides better fuel economy, which is a huge benefit, as the engine doesn’t have to work hard, resulting in less fuel consumption.
- The 4.7 Final Drive lets the engine provide optimum power to the wheels in a smoother way for more controllable performance.
Drawbacks
- 4.7 Final Drive limits your vehicle’s speed. This is because its engine spins faster than the wheels, reducing your car’s overall speed.
- If you often drive on the highways, 4.7 Final Drive is not for you because of its low speed. And even if you try to increase its speed, it’ll exert an excessive load on the engine
5.1 Final Drive

The 5.1 Final Drive is another gear ratio used in the rear differential of your automobiles.
This Final Drive ratio is mainly famous for its ability to offer a higher peak speed while requiring less acceleration. So this Final Drive is ideal if you love high-speed driving!
Good Sides
- The 5.1 Final Drive ratio delivers a greater peak speed for the car. So, if you want speed, this Final Drive ratio will provide you with the desired high speed you’re looking for!
- It allows the engine to operate at lower RPMs on the highway, resulting in higher fuel efficiency. And it indeed brings a win-win situation for you.
- The transmission shifts more quickly with the 5.1 Final Drive ratio, making it a perfect fit for racers or general speed lovers.
Drawbacks
- The only drawback this Final Drive brings is that it doesn’t allow you to reduce the vehicle’s speed, making it difficult for drivers to navigate steep roads and rocky areas.
The Final Drives’ benefits and drawbacks vary according to your vehicle’s intended application.
So in certain situations, the advantages of a greater final drive ratio may outweigh the disadvantages, but in others, a lower final drive ratio may be preferable.
But aside from all these things, it all depends on you, your preferences, and the overall specs of your ride!
FAQs
Depending on whether you prefer to accelerate fast or slow, your thoughts and opinions on which of the 4.7 or 5.1 Final Drives are better.
This is because the 4.7 Final Drive accelerates much more quickly due to more torque transmitted to the wheels.
Meanwhile, the 5.1 final drives have a higher final drive ratio, meaning they take much longer to accelerate when compared to the 4.7 final drives.
Final Drive refers to the number of times the pinion rotates for each wheel rotation. These cause the torque on a vehicle to move, which ultimately causes the car to either speed up fast or slower.
The Final Drive ratio of around 4.7 causes the vehicle to accelerate much faster than 5.1, so you may initially struggle to regain control. However, it must not be a cause of worry as the acceleration soon slows down, allowing you to recover it in your control.
Conclusion
Finding the right Final Drive for your vehicle is crucial since it significantly influences your vehicle’s performance. Whether you choose the 4.7 Final Drive or the 5.1 Final Drive, the point is to look for what you want!
After going through this blog, we believe you can finally make your pick and get the best deal for your vehicle!
Leave a Reply