Drove 08 Sport AT...
Drove 08 Sport AT...
Stopped by Honda dealer today. They had 3 '09 Sports - Blackberry (really really nice), Tidewater (really nice) and Orange (really nice). And guess what...they had a red 08 Sport AT parked along with them.
So I took a decent drive with the 08. My dad has an 07 Sport AT, and I've driven that several times for long periods, and I remember its steering and steering response to be better than the 09s. This test drive confirmed that pretty much. First of all, the steering feels less artificial, especially more towards lock, where the 09s' get light and artificial. The 08's steering feels heavier and although it's ratio is less quick by 0.1, it feels as if it's quicker, and the chassis responds twice as quick as the 09s. Makes for a noticeable boost in driving fun.
Seating position was as awkward as I remember, but not bad. The seats were not quite as form-fitting but good. Ride comfort was about even, though I didn't check on the tires' psi at the time - could've been low.
Brake effort was little, while the 09s required a lot. I like the 08s'.
Acceleration while on the highway was almost painfully slow. At 5000 rpms the engine loses its breath, while the 09s get a second wind. Big, huge difference here. Plus the 09s sound happy and nice winding up there while the 08 sounds strained and harsh. Still, the 08 with its AT felt really responsive from idle to 4,000 rpms.
If I were to choose between the two, I think I would still opt for the 09 MOSTLY for the following reasons:
- Design in and out
- Looks more spacious up front
- Power
- Better driver comfort
- Radio
But I say hands-down the 08 is more fun to drive thanks to the steering feel/heft and chassis response.
So I took a decent drive with the 08. My dad has an 07 Sport AT, and I've driven that several times for long periods, and I remember its steering and steering response to be better than the 09s. This test drive confirmed that pretty much. First of all, the steering feels less artificial, especially more towards lock, where the 09s' get light and artificial. The 08's steering feels heavier and although it's ratio is less quick by 0.1, it feels as if it's quicker, and the chassis responds twice as quick as the 09s. Makes for a noticeable boost in driving fun.
Seating position was as awkward as I remember, but not bad. The seats were not quite as form-fitting but good. Ride comfort was about even, though I didn't check on the tires' psi at the time - could've been low.
Brake effort was little, while the 09s required a lot. I like the 08s'.
Acceleration while on the highway was almost painfully slow. At 5000 rpms the engine loses its breath, while the 09s get a second wind. Big, huge difference here. Plus the 09s sound happy and nice winding up there while the 08 sounds strained and harsh. Still, the 08 with its AT felt really responsive from idle to 4,000 rpms.
If I were to choose between the two, I think I would still opt for the 09 MOSTLY for the following reasons:
- Design in and out
- Looks more spacious up front
- Power
- Better driver comfort
- Radio
But I say hands-down the 08 is more fun to drive thanks to the steering feel/heft and chassis response.
Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,098
From: VA
Stopped by Honda dealer today. They had 3 '09 Sports - Blackberry (really really nice), Tidewater (really nice) and Orange (really nice). And guess what...they had a red 08 Sport AT parked along with them.
So I took a decent drive with the 08. My dad has an 07 Sport AT, and I've driven that several times for long periods, and I remember its steering and steering response to be better than the 09s. This test drive confirmed that pretty much. First of all, the steering feels less artificial, especially more towards lock, where the 09s' get light and artificial. The 08's steering feels heavier and although it's ratio is less quick by 0.1, it feels as if it's quicker, and the chassis responds twice as quick as the 09s. Makes for a noticeable boost in driving fun.
Seating position was as awkward as I remember, but not bad. The seats were not quite as form-fitting but good. Ride comfort was about even, though I didn't check on the tires' psi at the time - could've been low.
Brake effort was little, while the 09s required a lot. I like the 08s'.
Acceleration while on the highway was almost painfully slow. At 5000 rpms the engine loses its breath, while the 09s get a second wind. Big, huge difference here. Plus the 09s sound happy and nice winding up there while the 08 sounds strained and harsh. Still, the 08 with its AT felt really responsive from idle to 4,000 rpms.
If I were to choose between the two, I think I would still opt for the 09 MOSTLY for the following reasons:
- Design in and out
- Looks more spacious up front
- Power
- Better driver comfort
- Radio
But I say hands-down the 08 is more fun to drive thanks to the steering feel/heft and chassis response.
So I took a decent drive with the 08. My dad has an 07 Sport AT, and I've driven that several times for long periods, and I remember its steering and steering response to be better than the 09s. This test drive confirmed that pretty much. First of all, the steering feels less artificial, especially more towards lock, where the 09s' get light and artificial. The 08's steering feels heavier and although it's ratio is less quick by 0.1, it feels as if it's quicker, and the chassis responds twice as quick as the 09s. Makes for a noticeable boost in driving fun.
Seating position was as awkward as I remember, but not bad. The seats were not quite as form-fitting but good. Ride comfort was about even, though I didn't check on the tires' psi at the time - could've been low.
Brake effort was little, while the 09s required a lot. I like the 08s'.
Acceleration while on the highway was almost painfully slow. At 5000 rpms the engine loses its breath, while the 09s get a second wind. Big, huge difference here. Plus the 09s sound happy and nice winding up there while the 08 sounds strained and harsh. Still, the 08 with its AT felt really responsive from idle to 4,000 rpms.
If I were to choose between the two, I think I would still opt for the 09 MOSTLY for the following reasons:
- Design in and out
- Looks more spacious up front
- Power
- Better driver comfort
- Radio
But I say hands-down the 08 is more fun to drive thanks to the steering feel/heft and chassis response.
Since new I've been tinkering with replacing the OEM tires with some stiff sidewall summer tires which I believe will bring back all that the 09s lost in terms of steering/response. But I'm sure ride will suffer.
If you don't think a Fit is fun to drive, you should read an Encyclopedia about cars and start with "A".
Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 56
From: California
Fun to drive to many, maybe referring to acceleration G, to others, we prefer lateral G 
. I think Fit is a fun little car with a great chassis, better than average handling and not terribly bad acceleration and braking.
Different strokes for different folks, I can see some potential in this car.
. I think Fit is a fun little car with a great chassis, better than average handling and not terribly bad acceleration and braking. Different strokes for different folks, I can see some potential in this car.
Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 82
From: Tucson, AZ
Fun to drive to many, maybe referring to acceleration G, to others, we prefer lateral G . I think Fit is a fun little car with a great chassis, better than average handling and not terribly bad acceleration and braking.
Different strokes for different folks, I can see some potential in this car.
. I think Fit is a fun little car with a great chassis, better than average handling and not terribly bad acceleration and braking. Different strokes for different folks, I can see some potential in this car.
not bad acceleration & braking compared to what?!
what has you guys so high on the Fit? you do know why most people have the scaled down mini-van right? to haul shit around & MPG.
people dont buy it for its ability to pull lateral G's.
Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 56
From: California
what exactly is an encyclopedia going to tell me about a Fit?
yah, massive body roll w/ skinny tires. the fit is really pushing the motorsport envelope.
not bad acceleration & braking compared to what?!
what has you guys so high on the Fit? you do know why most people have the scaled down mini-van right? to haul shit around & MPG.
people dont buy it for its ability to pull lateral G's.
yah, massive body roll w/ skinny tires. the fit is really pushing the motorsport envelope.
not bad acceleration & braking compared to what?!
what has you guys so high on the Fit? you do know why most people have the scaled down mini-van right? to haul shit around & MPG.
people dont buy it for its ability to pull lateral G's.
I do occasionally instruct at HPDE trackday events, and have over 6 yrs plus track experience, so I am not completely clueless on what I said.
Why are you even on this forum?
Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 82
From: Tucson, AZ
Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 82
From: Tucson, AZ
Fit of course isn't something with "high performance" neither is a Miata. But fun to drive factor is there, otherwise why do Honda keep making cars that are "sporty" to drive? Civics are econboxes, too, but look at how Civic Type R performs compared to many other cars that outclass it. I really don't think people are buying Fit for its performance, but it could well be one of the reasons for buyers in this segment. I do choose a Fit over a Yaris any day. I said it, with a decent set of tires, and brake pads, it could be borderline trackable.
I do occasionally instruct at HPDE trackday events, and have over 6 yrs plus track experience, so I am not completely clueless on what I said.
I do occasionally instruct at HPDE trackday events, and have over 6 yrs plus track experience, so I am not completely clueless on what I said.
Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 89
From: Texas
A miata is many times better a performance car than a fit or SI. (I do own a fit and would never buy a miata) It is the best entry level club racer available for the money. Go to the autocross and watch a modded miata and then laugh at a modded fit.
Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 89
From: Texas
im glad your here sofa king, and i hope the forum serves as a resource for your new car. congrats. nice name too
Master FitFaker. CHEA!
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,317
From: Marble Falls, TX
really?
i'm sorry but if i didn't like my choice in car i wouldn't be on this forum.
if you don't think it's a cool car and fun to drive, you should probably never log back in
i'm sorry but if i didn't like my choice in car i wouldn't be on this forum.
if you don't think it's a cool car and fun to drive, you should probably never log back in