Stick drivers - which driving method saves more gas?

Question

which saves more gas?

shift gears late (about 2k-4k rotations per minute?) and step on pedal lightly

or shift gears early (1k-3k rpm) and step on pedal harder

Answer 1

You should look up the peak torque rating of your engine. It will be X ft. lbs.@ Y rpm. For example, my engine gives 177 ft.lb @ 1900 rpm. Go lightely on the pedal up to 500 rpm less than the peak torque and then upshift. As a foundation, you should be current on your tuneup oil and filter change, and air filter. Check that  your tires are properly inflated, and make sure you don't have "junk in the (car) trunk". Windows closed and AC on above 40 mph.

Answer 2

it is called progressive shifting.  low gears (1-3) have little change in ratio.  low gears, depending on incline and load, can be shifted before two thousand rpm.  long gears should be shifted 2-4 thousand.  driving speeds, good rpm's, seem to be between 1800-3000 rpm.  but, make sure not to "lug" the engine.  if you want real answers, buy a vacuum gage.