I tried to search for the answer, but there's only reviews from online sources or articles that just state that the new 09s have better handling, which may or may not be accurate.

I was curious if the new chassis in the 09 fits really improves the car's handling and/or stability. There seems to be a handful of fit auto-Xers and trackers, both from the GD and GE generation. So I'm sure there are more experienced owners who can help answer the question.

Is there really an improvement in handling, or is it about the same? Just food for thought. Thanks for your input!

 

I've memorized all the published reviews from the popular car mags on this car. I've driven my dad's 07 Sport 5AT a lot and I have the 09 Sport 5MT.

Here's the deal...the 09s, especially when equipped with the Dunlop 7000s vs the Bridgestones (high performance A/S vs touring tire) have much much better lateral grip than the GDs, AND they are more neutral. The GDs understeer early while the GEs have both understeer/oversteer depending on your whim. At the same time, the revised suspension geometry blesses the 09s with more effective bump absorption, so the car will retain its intended course better despite road imperfections.

Hope this helps.

 

its all in what the driver is dumb enough to do.

 

Stock, I think the GD3 has the upper hand.

 

only way to know...
same guy
same course
same tires
diff stock fit
compare times, and driver feedback

 

tires make or break the "handling"

 

^^fixed...

 

X2 on this.
seems like both cars are pretty close but without the same
driver same driving conditions same tires we are all just not
getting anywhere.

 

I'll state the facts, and then they'll be debated.

The GE has a significantly stiffer chassis, and will make a much better platform for handling. The GD came with stiffer springs, which makes it feel like it is handling better, but in fact it isn't. A GE with stiff springs will have the fastest slalom times of any Fit.

Tires do in fact make or break the handling, for us down south without snow, summer tires are going to be a nice upgrade.

 

Tires are a factor of handling, but not the definition. In a word...balance. Chassis balance to be more specific.

If you guys read any of the car mags they unanimously report the same conclusion - the GEs handle better.

 

That means we must give it to....The STIG!

 

Hehe. I already know where the Fit would stand in the time chart. It's pretty easy to figure out. With their celebrity car the Stig did a 1:40.1?? or so. Take a Civic Si or something of that ilk which holds the low 1:30ish range, like 1:33, 1:34,etc. So the Fit should fall around the high 1:30s, like 1:37, 1:38. And I would place the GE over the GD. It's really easy to see if you've read the reviews or driven both back to back. The GEs have much more lateral grip without the premature understeer. Add in fatter torque and it's a foregone conclusion.