09 Fit Sport vs Mini Classic

kai-wun · #1 (**permalink**) 07-31-2009, 01:34 PM

Help.

I'll be totally honest. I'm absolutely in love with the Mini. Absolutely.

Love the retro style. Love the wicked handling.

I have never been so inspired to drive a car with such handling. I took an emergency 3 lane change at 130kph and the car did NOT hesitate one bit.

The Mini's expensive though. It starts at $22,8 (CAD) for the Classic .. but it's reasonably equipped. Has all the things that make it quintessentially Mini ..

I was about to pull the trigger on one. $28k OTR. I thought I was done with my car search. I scratched everything else off the list ... Impreza, Civic, Genesis Coupe. The Mini was the cheapest MSRP, just had almost no negotiation room.

Then I thought. Wait. Let's revisit the Fit.

The Fit has the edge in exterior styling. It has fogs, unlike the Mini Classic. In Taffeta White, some CF accents and gold/bronze TE37s she is a very pretty indeed.

The Fit also has wicked fuel economy (not that the Mini is too far off, but the Mini requires premium ... generally 10% more off the bat).

The Fit has far more interior space, for people and cargo room. But this doesn't matter to me. I don't haul much. Neither people nor things. Besides, I like how cozy the Mini is. And I far prefer the Mini's retro interior.

But most of all, the Fit is $23k OTR easy. That $5k is a HUGE hunk of change to consider.

Some other things to consider with the Fit:
-simpler/cheaper to upgrade audio
-better long term reliability
-lower cost of ownership
-HID retrofitting doesn't cost a ridiculous amount of money (<-VERY IMPORTANT TO ME ... I NEED THOSE HIDs!)

But the biggest issue: HANDLING.

When I test drove the Fit, the sales breathing over my shoulder so I didn't have a chance to drive the car at the limits. The gearbox was fine (but I still preferred the Mini's), but the car itself felt a bit wobbly. Not nearly as planted and confident as the Mini.

On paper, the Mini destroys the Fit. Independent rear suspension. Disc brakes all around. A brief search on these forums tell me the Mini is far superior as well.

So the million (well more accurately: $5000) question is: Can the Fit approach the handling capability of the Mini?

Can the Fit be set up as neutral handling as the Mini? Will I be able to induce TTO and rotate the car as well?

Will I be able to push the car till I'm scared, and the car will be asking for more (a la Mini) ... or would the car be begging me to stop, fearing toppling over?

I understand the torsion beam rear suspension limits camber/toe settings in the rear. I want a very neutral handling car. Is the Fit capable?

The Mini has several very inexpensive mods that will drastically improve handling. Aftermarket linear springs that are designed for stock dampers. An inexpensive rear sway to virtually eliminate understeer.

Thoughts? Anyone cross shopped their Fit with more expensive competitors?

Committobefit08 · #2 (**permalink**) 07-31-2009, 02:31 PM

"The Mini has several very inexpensive mods that will drastically improve handling. Aftermarket linear springs that are designed for stock dampers. An inexpensive rear sway to virtually eliminate understeer."

so does the Fit.
Tanabe USA Inc.
Type One Racing
Performance Suspension, Lowering Springs, Shocks, Sway Bars, Coil-Overs and Wheel Spacers!
Cusco Suspension Parts

Hot to install a Cusco Front tower bar in a GE8

I think a modded (suspension) Fit can handle just as well as modded (suspension) mini for a lot cheaper in some cases.
Mini's are just more expensive to mod and keep in general.

Obviously your in a Fit forum so you know which car we all chose.

kai-wun · #3 (**permalink**) 07-31-2009, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Committobefit08

I think a modded (suspension) Fit can handle just as well as modded (suspension) mini for a lot cheaper in some cases.
Mini's are just more expensive to mod and keep in general.

Obviously your in a Fit forum so you know which car we all chose.

That's what I wanna hear. I should test drive a Fit again, and push it to it's limits. $5k can go a long way ....

Black3sr · #4 (**permalink**) 07-31-2009, 04:35 PM

I did the Mini thing way back in 1964. I paid a total $1535 Cdn(no taxes then) for an 850cc Dark green Morris Mini. My first new family car - I traded in my first 1959 Austin Healey Sprite.

I looked at the new Minis, did not test one. I just could not get past how far off the original they are and those black spats are just too much. So I got a Fit and am really happy. It replaces my 2nd 1961 Sprite that I had restored as my fun car. The functionallity of the FIt won me over - 4 doors and some trunk room.

Being old I will not be beating my Fit to death so only cosmetic mods here.

bill

mynameisphunk · #5 (**permalink**) 07-31-2009, 04:45 PM

There's a reason Minis mop the floor in their respective autocross classes. I wouldn't doubt that a Fit with the right amount of time, research, and money could handle extremely well, but the Mini right out of the box is just a stellar mix of ride and handling. Obviously I chose the Fit, as the value proposition is a huge issue for me, and I WILL use the passenger space and cargo configurations all the time. Also, regular gas w/ stellar mileage, extremely low maintenance, far more dealers than the Mini, etc....

However, if handling was my top priority, and I was OK with spending another $5k for a car (I'm not), I'd go with the Mini...but the Fit is a pretty great compromise if utility, value, reliability, cost of ownership, and handling/fun-to-drive factor. With another $1500-2000 into suspension and drivetrain modifications (IMO any FWD car needs a limited slip diff to really live up to its potential), the Fit should be a blast and still retain all of the other values that make it great.

Committobefit08 · #6 (**permalink**) 07-31-2009, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kai-wun

That's what I wanna hear. I should test drive a Fit again, and push it to it's limits. $5k can go a long way ....

Stock for stock mini def. out handles the fit..but like mentioned above the fit has alot more to offer than just handling imo. I think with my fit lowered its a lot closer maybe better handling to a stock mini classic (Mind you...stock rubber on the fit suck from a handling standpoint though)

Just test drive them both and get which ever best suits your needs. Everyone is different.
Happy shopping.

rangefit · #7 (**permalink**) 07-31-2009, 06:47 PM

It sounds like you want the Mini more than the Fit. Your primary reasons are handling and as you said you don't need the space that the Fit gives you.

I believe the Fit has these plusses over the Mini --- cost (initial and maintenance), utility (storage and passenger), reliability. It is still fun to drive but not the same as the Mini.

Think hard and buy the one you really want.

just my thoughts.

y0ukeun · #8 (**permalink**) 07-31-2009, 08:30 PM

get the mini! sounds like you're leaning towards it. but for me, i like the fact that the fit has honda reliability and doesn't require premium. plus the seats and cargo space in the fit is great

Malice101 · #9 (**permalink**) 07-31-2009, 09:30 PM

I think of the mini as a "sports car"...you really are comparing apples to oranges here I think.

The Fit is a purpose built vehicle...as in "all around, do everything" kinda car. The fact that you are even comparing the two says alot about the Fit IMO. With some modest upgrades to the suspension you will have plenty of fun in the mountains...though you're not gonna rocket from one curve to another like you would in a "true" sports car.

If you want to impress people with numbers then the Fit just aint gonna do it. If you want to have "FUN" and challenge yourself then you will enjoy pushing the Fit. Fun doesn't need to be maximum speed and driving like an A-hole endangering yourself and those around you.

The Fit will take you to work and back every single day with minimal fuss and decent comfort. I'm sure the mini is just fine and dandy as a daily driver as well...but when you want to load up for a vacation, throw a bicycle (or two) in back, go to Lowes for some home improvement goodies, seat four adults in comfort, etc...you just can't beat the Fit.

Mine replaced a sports car and a truck. I have ZERO regrets with this over achieving little car. Definitely not a car I feel "stuck with" until something better comes along. IMO it is one of the best overall vehicles on the road today. It aint perfect but it's so far from "just another car" that I have no problem singing it's praises. I've had just under 30 cars over my life time and the Fit easily sits in the top five.

So...do you want a sports car? Or a car that's does damned near everything? And still manages to put a smile on your face?

kai-wun · #10 (**permalink**) 08-09-2009, 04:55 PM

The Fit has definite advantages.

Reliability. Fuel Economy. Lower cost of ownership (parts/labour). Comfort/Cargo room.

I wish I could have a longer test drive with a Fit Sport 5MT and see if I can push it to the limits.

I found the edmunds.com "track test" of the 09 Fit. The brakes and handling was subpar.

New Tires, new brakes would definitely be on my list.

Let's talk handling. Torsion beam rear suspension gives me little to no adjustability on camber/toe on the rear end, correct? What is the stock alignment?

As I said again, if I can make the Fit rotate nearly as well as the Mini ... I wouldn't mind considering it seriously.

My head says go Fit, my heart says go Mini.

Hm.

kindofblue · #11 (**permalink**) 08-10-2009, 11:45 PM

It was really hard for me to pick between Mini and Fit, but I went with Fit because of the vastly better reliability and the 4-5 grand difference. I would say that after six months I am still 95% happy I did the Fit. If money hadnt been an object I would have gone Mini, but as I am a poor student...

Lyon[Nightroad] · #12 (**permalink**) 08-12-2009, 04:49 AM

What about resale value. Can't beat that Honda resale value.

blazej · #13 (**permalink**) 08-12-2009, 10:53 AM

I had a Mini rental car for a day and now own the Fit Sport Auto. The Mini was a much better handler and more fun to drive. You probably could get close to the Mini with Fit Sport mods, but what's the point? You "savings" would decrease and you may or may not be happy with the results.

I bought the fit because it is more reliable, has more space, and still handles decently all stock.

kenchan · #14 (**permalink**) 08-12-2009, 11:53 AM

so you're saying you can get a classic mini (not the 2002-Present MINI's) $23K in nice restored like-new condition? wow, that's not a bad deal.

but those classics from wat ive seen dont usually come with a/c so it's more like just a weekend hobby car. which is nice to have, ofcourse.

kai-wun · #15 (**permalink**) 08-13-2009, 03:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lyon[Nightroad]

What about resale value. Can't beat that Honda resale value.

Actually you might be able to. Mini has crazy resale value, every used Mini is about 90-95% the price of a new one ...

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenchan

so you're saying you can get a classic mini (not the 2002-Present MINI's) $23K in nice restored like-new condition? wow, that's not a bad deal.

but those classics from wat ive seen dont usually come with a/c so it's more like just a weekend hobby car. which is nice to have, ofcourse.

No no, "Classic" is just the base trim of the Canadian models. I don't think Americans have that name. It comes with 15" wheels, manual climate control, and no fogs ... that's the main difference between Classic and the regular Cooper.

Anyway, I'm leaning more and more towards the Fit.

The exterior's sweeter. It's cheaper by a significant amount (about $6k OTR). It'll seat 5 comfortably, I can grow into it. It's more reliable. I can retrofit HIDs. I can go "mad tyte JDM yo!" with bronze wheels and domo-kun vinyl stickers. CF accents look amazing on a taffy white Fit.

Sure it wont handle as well or is as pretty inside as the Mini, but I can still drive it quite aggressively and I honestly wouldn't be competing anyway ....

Hm. Gotta search for some done up Fits and tickle my fancy (.... who the hell says that anymore?

)