In first gear, or low gear, an automobile's engine runs about three times as fast as the drive shaft. in second gear, the engine does not have to run as fast; usually it runs about 1.6 times faster than the drive shaft. finally, in third, or high gear, the engine runs at the same speed as the drive shaft. engine speed = 4,100 r. p.m. transmission in first gear drive-shaft speed (to nearest r. p.m.) = a) 1367 b) 12,300 c) 6560