The way a gear ratio works is that the first number represents the number of times the engine turns, and the second number represents the number of times the transmission turns. So if a gear ratio is 2:1, then the engine does two revolutions, and the transmission turns one revolution. Basically this ratio is a longer ratio, and good for acceleration, but it generates low torque.
A shorter ratio would be most 5 speed cars' 4th gear ratio, and 5th gear (overdrive) ratio. Most 5 speed cars have the 4th gear ratio as 1:1, meaning the engine and transmission both are turning at the same speed. This causes more torque to be generated to the wheels. The 5th gear ratio is most of the time somewhat like 0.8:1, meaning the transmission spins once, and the engine spins only 0.8 of a revolution. Lower revs generate higher torque, and greater fuel efficiency.
Learned members may screw me on this one, so I am open to that! This is as far as I know- i may have gotten the long and short confused.