Final-Drive Ratio
This is the ratio of the gearset (usually the differential) that is farthest from the engine. A ratio of 3-54:1 means the driveshaft turns 3.54 times for every one turn of the wheels. Generally speaking, the higher the number, the better the vehicle's initial acceleration and pulling power. The lower the number, the better the vehicle's fuel economy.



The ratio is the relationship between a vehicle's driveshaft (or propellor shaft) and its wheel axle. For instance, a 4:1 axle ration means the drive shaft turns 4 times for every one time the tires spin. The higher numerically the axle ratio, the greater force that can be applied to the drive wheels for tasks like towing up a grade or pulling a boat out of the water.