Regarding rear axle gear ratios, which statement is correct?

In the context of rear axle gear ratios, a higher numerical ratio signifies that the engine will turn more times for each rotation of the drive wheels. This characteristic is particularly important for towing and hauling heavy loads. As the numerical ratio increases, the engine can operate in a more efficient power band when under load, which enhances towing capacity. This is because a higher gear ratio allows a vehicle to apply more torque to the wheels, making it better suited for pulling heavy trailers or loads.

However, it’s important to note that while increased towing capacity is a benefit of higher numerical ratios, it comes with the trade-off of decreased fuel economy. More revolutions of the engine per mile mean that the engine works harder and consumes more fuel. Thus, when towing heavy loads, vehicles with higher gear ratios perform better at the expense of fuel efficiency.

This understanding clarifies why the statement regarding increasing numerical ratios enhancing towing capacity while decreasing fuel economy is accurate, making it the correct choice.