gear ratio need a better understanding and how it works

[i20solara02i]

hey guys i just want to know how does gear ratio works. since i was comparing the gear ratio between the scion tc and the camry solara.

here the gear ratio for the scion tc

got this from car & driver

DRIVETRAIN Transmission: 5-speed manual
Final-drive ratio: 4.24:1
Gear, Ratio, Mph/1000 rpm, Max test speed
I, 3.54, 4.7, 29 mph (6200 rpm)
II, 2.05, 8.2, 51 mph (6200 rpm)
III, 1.33, 12.6, 78 mph (6200 rpm)
IV, 0.97, 17.2, 107 mph (6200 rpm)
V, 0.78, 21.6, 127 mph (5900 rpm)

here the gear tatio for the toyota camry solara.

got this from another website.

DRIVETRAIN Transmission: 5-speed manual
Final-drive ratio: 3.944
I, 3.538
II, 2.045
III, 1.333
IV, 0972
V, 0.731

right now im guess the smaller the number the better? or im i wrong

[JoKo]

I think the smaller the ratio number, the more MPH you will get out of it. But tire size and wheel size come into play too, not a lot but a little bit.

The tc has a low topspeed, probably 130mph at redline in 5th. I think the solara has a much higher "possible" topspeed, even though aero dynamics and low horsepower kill acceleration at high speeds, if the tc was modded a little bit it could reach its topspeed really quick.

Basically the higher the number the better, until a certain point. I think the best topspeed to have is around 120ish mph, theres really no reason you could ever need to go faster. I say 120ish because a car with some serious mods and short (bigger #) ratios can get up to speed real quick on the 1/4. And sometimes beltway speeds can be rediculous lol.

I don't know, maybe im wrong about everything lol... someone confirm me plz