i never really noticed it till recently but those 2 gears are extremely close.. its closer then the gears on an 8th gen si 3rd and 4th gear.. how weird that a 5 speed have closer gears then a 6 speed..

 

It has to do with keeping an engine's RPM in its powerband. Between 3rd and 4th on an EM2, you lose ~22% of your RPM, on an 8th gen(6spd), you lose ~25%. But the thing is, that K20 has a wider powerband. The em2's ratios are close in that area to make sure the car continues to make power.

 

EX is like that as well. Then it falls on it's face in 4th gear as 18-wheelers pass you.