Question about engine speeds/work

[blue2000s]

Originally Posted by Rail26

Allow me to elaborate on my question....I don't think I asked it very clearly. Is the engine under the same amount of load cruising at 130mph in 5th gear at 5000 rpm or crusing at 35mph in 1st gear at 5000rpm? The engine is still turning at the same speed and isn't engine wear a function of load and speed? If I cruised around at 130 mph everywhere would the engine show more wear if I cruised around at 35 mph with the above conditions? Let's also assume they are all highway miles with no stop and go.

Strictly speaking, if the loads and engine speeds are the same and there are no other differences but vehicle speed, there would theoretically be no difference in the wear on the engine given a set amount of time. The total miles on the car would be different, but that wouldn't matter to the engine.