In a conventional five-speed manual gearbox, with the same engine torque, which pair multiplies torque at the wheels most?

Correct answer

First and second.

First and second, the lowest forward gears among the options. Their greater reduction multiplies wheel torque in exchange for lower wheel speed at the same engine speed. They do not create additional engine power: rotation speed is traded for torque, subject to transmission losses. This compares forward gears, excluding reverse.