just curious:

my friend has a 1999 civic HX coupe, 5spd. he tells me he gets like 40mpg easily on his car.

my question is, yes the car has lower hp than the current fits, but it also has a bigger displacement..1.6. how come they can get as great gas mileage compare to our fits? given this technology on the civic was like 10 years ago. shouldn't our fits have more mpg? just curious. Thanks

 

Not sure of all the factors but I believe the HX uses a VTEC system tuned for fuel economy whereas the Fit's VTEC is tuned for performance. I forget Honda's name for it.

 

Weight, shape (Fit is tall and boxy), gearing, emissions regulations, rolling resistance. All those things play a role.

Was the HX the one that used a lean burn mode under certain condition? I bet that would be real hard to do now in a way that would pass emission standards.

 

the HX has smaller rims so that will affect the MPG as well not jsut that they dont come Vtec so that can also affect the MPG and also the weight difference too the fit is soo much heavier than the civics and hmm i think they also have bigger gas tank correct me if all im wrong on any of these XD lol

oh and not just that i remember when i had the HX rims on my car and OMGEE MPG is a huge difference! i got about 350 miles before my gas light came on not just that i usually pump gas right when the light comes on so i coulda gotten about another 30 to 38 more miles

 

are the hx rims light weight? maybe i should look for some hx rims for my GE

 

yes the HX rims are very light, but you will need to shave ur brake caliper for them to fit. Getting some lightweight 15in wheels will help. But yes, Weight, emissions regulations etc all play a factor. Also the AUTO HX's had a cvt transmission.

 

i think its vtec-e im not sure though but it uses a reverse idea and vtec kicks in on low rpms like it did for the gd

 

correct it is vtec-e and changes valves like the GD fit rather than cam lobes like most vtec and i-vtec

 

As others have said, mainly weight, aerodynamics, and lower power.

Ask your friend if he can carry a leather lounge chair in his Civic coupe...





The Civic HX coupe was kinda a 1-trick pony: very fuel efficient. The Fit is meant to be fuel efficient, somewhat sporty, and hugely practical/usable as well.

 

Look up FITDEEZ. . He had them on.. and they are veryyyy light. If you search his posts, you'll see the pics.. he painted them black. Them being 14s made it so low

 

i had these rims on my civic hatch they are made by enkei, i guess honda made a deal with them??? i wish they would continue this...

 

I think a few of Hondas wheels are made by enkei. My 05 Accord Ex had wheels by enkei and they werent anything special as far as looks go. I was shocked when I saw the logo on the inside of the wheel.

 

What is the curb weight of Fits in the US? Here in Japan mine is slightly less than the Civic HX by about 6.5kg (14.3lb). And pretty much all of Honda's wheels are made by Enkei whether it is stated on the wheel or not. One of the bigger OEM wheel manufacturers actually, at least for Japanese cars.

 

That's correct. Enkei makes most of Honda's wheels, if not all of them.

 

Have you ever driven a Civic HX? Go drive one and you'll understand. It's anemic. The gears are tall and it can barely get out of its own way.

 

very valid point but weight is the issue

maybe 1 airbag back then vs what 6 in the fit?

I had a 93 civic si hatchback, and it too was light which helped make it fast

the hx vtec was programed for efficiency and light allow wheels

 

+1

They are very slow. Gearing also has a lot to do with it.
Pretty bad when its slower than a Fit.

 

I know my 89 Civic Hatchback regularly got in the mid 40 mpg on the highway. Not just by me, but by the people I eventually sold it to. (Bad mistake). It was lower, so had way less wind resistance. Probably lighter, too. Seemed quicker, too. Wish they still made that car.

 

if the vtec-e is similar to the GD..shouldn't the GD produce the high mpg like the HX?

also...do you feel the kick of vtec-e? i would imagine it to be like the R18 on the current civics? where there's no real vtec...but its constant vtec instead

 

The next time you unmount your GD3 Sport rims, look for this logo on the inside of your wheel.

(click to enlarge)


-macbuddy-