Axle Ratios

I've been reading a lot about the automatic shifting issues and how well people are liking their manuals. I chose the auto after driving a manual for the last 4 years and really like the convenience of no clutch. One of the things I noticed on a data sheet included in the new Tacomas is that of the rear end ratios. All of the 2.7L engines and all manual transmissions are coupled with a 4.30 gear ratio. All of the V6 automatics are coupled with a 3.90 (actually 3.909) gear ratio. This may explain why those with the manuals are feeling more power than those of us with the autos. Perhaps the automatics would have a little more pep with the 4.30 gears. Not sure what it would do to mileage, but the gearing does seem really high when cruising in 6th.