Are more gears in a transmission better?

Question

I'm used to driving a 6 speed auto, but my new car only comes in a 5 speed auto. whats better?

is a 5 speed better for low HP cars because a 6 speed would be redundant? or is a 5 speed in low HP cars to lower the price?

Answer 1

more gears are actually better because it spreads the rpm/speed out more and less stress on each gear. that's way the new lexus LS came out with the world's first 8 speed transmission.

Answer 2

From 1960 until 1980, you may recall that automatic transmissions had either 2 or 3 speeds.  The move to 6 speeds recently has been to make marginal improvements in fuel economy.  This is possible because the engine can be closer to its maximum efficiency rpm more often.

That's what the extra speeds do, and that's all they do.  Is that "better?"  Beats me.  The lowest life cycle cost is better, and the 6 speeds haven't been out all that long, so I'd say I don't know.