Why are the gear ratios on Mini Cooper S so high?

Question

2006 Mini Cooper S

1.6 liter Inline 4

6 speed manual (See Specs)

http://www.cars.com/go/crp/research.jsp?makeid=303&myid=7896&year=2006&acode=USB60MNC021B0&section=features&modelid=6848&section=features&mode=&aff=national

Answer 1

From what I see, the gears are numerically high, which indicates low gears. However, your final drive (the differential) has a numerically low number, indicating a high gear. When you combine a high and a low, you end up right in the middle, right where you should be.

Answer 2

Generally gear ratios that are set low are ment for pulling or hulling.  And Mini Coopers are not ment to pull, just to drive and cruise.  

Answer 3

It's a light car with a good power-to-weight ratio, so the taller gear helps out on mileage.... But yeah it does seem too tall