Doesn't the 3.55 have longer gearing? I'll look for the tag tomorrow on the trans, but is there a certain RPM to MPH ratio I can look for?

I can hit 35 in first gear, and I'm pretty sure my old neon only went to 30..

 

3.55 could be considered a longer gear

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gear_ratio

 

The 3.55 is geared towards fuel economy. the 3.94 is geared for quicker shifts and overall better performance (at the sacrifice of mpg)

 

if you got a lot of bolt-ons and performance parts, I suggest the 3.55 for the longer gears concidering you can reach the higher speeds and also benefit from the MPG

 

i love the 3.94 compared to the 3.55
look at it this way.....
doing 65 and stomping the gas in a 3.94 give you a little better acceleration then doing 65 with a 3.55 and dropping it into 4th.

 

I guess it depends on what you want it for.I race Neons ( 2 circle track cars) I would much prefer 3.94. )One has the 3.55 it is a dud, mid to upper pack car. Way to long of a 2nd and 3rd gear.With the 3.94 in the other car. I can win EVERY SINGLE RACE barring any breakdowns or wrecks.this is against Acura Integras,Celicas,Honda CRX ,a Honda with a Vtech,200SX,a Mits Mirage,2000 Nissan Sentra, a couple Honda SI's and several others.Even with bolt ons I would take the 3.94.Both these cars are 96 DOHC and have identical set up, with Falcon Azenas RT350 tires.Last year one was a SOHC 3.55 same thing, mid to upper pack.

 

BTW I am looking for another 3.94 anybody have one in the New Mexico area?

 

if the SOHC came with thows, i guess i have one to spare

 

SOHC's came with the 3.55.

 

Actually its the other way around. Turbo's like the 3.55! For the avg street modder, the 3.94 is much better for acceleration or just stock.