Oh, glad you don't encounter traffic on your route.

 

I have owned both and I can say the 2012 is a bit more quiet but it isn't a HUGE change. The MT engine still makes it's presence known but seems just a bit more quiet. Road noise seems to be noticeably less but I'm unsure how much of this is due to the new vehicle effect vs my old ride.

I'm sure that moving from an auto to manual will increase the cabin noise but it's well worth it.

The new seat fabric and audio controls are pretty nice too.

 

Why would you say this? Because in fact it's the opposite. The AT with its different gearing sounds more frenetic, like it's working harder, revving more. The MT has a deeper pitch and more muted.

 

Its just a guess based on my experience winding the engine up LOL. I'll defer to anyone who has spent time in both versions.

 

so are the gear ratios for auto and manual different? or does one or the other have more sound insulation?

 

I've driven the 2010. 2011 and recently bought a 2012 base MT. I think the 2012 is quieter except that I have this one annoying rumble/rattle I haven't been able to chase down...I'll be trying some of the tricks I've read here as far as the hatch area latch and will be doing some sound deadening as I install the new armrest Santa brought me.

I sold my Acura CL type S and no, this isn't nearly as quiet, quick, fast or luxo but wow, it's a lot of fun for not a lot of money. I have a goal each day to see if I can hit that magical (to me) 50 mpg number - don't always make it but I have fun trying.

 

Yes, the AT has taller ratios, and to me it's frustrating driving the AT as it seems to be constantly upshifting early even though you apply more throttle, and/or hunting/downshifting. This adds to the frenetic/busy nature I was referring to, which the MT does not have.

 

That "rear hatch" rattle may well be just what I experienced and solved...turns out it's the rear driver side seat rattling its locking mechanism over bumps. Fixed it with velcro tape.

Just FYI, when you reset the tripodometer while coasting, you can witness the avg mpg gauge reach a max of 150 mpg.

 

The body panels and metal structure have not changed from the 09 to the 12. There isn't a lot of extra space anywhere. Does anyone, actually, have any real evidence of the location of this added sound proofing? Anyone have pictures of these changes?

 

From what I've read the road noise is reduced via increased insulation in the floor, added insulation to the front fenders, and thicker front quarter glass. I intend to simply hop on my parts catalog at work, find this additional insulation, order it and install it into my '09. One perk of working at the dealer.. I would consider doing a complete 2012 front end conversion.. if I thought it looked good :s

 

You can see patches of additional material in the front wheel well areas of the 2012s compared to earlier models. I noticed that the other day while quickly poking around one on a dealer lot.

 

Let us know what you find out about the insulation. I know that I'd be interested in improving my 09.

 

I will let you guys know what I find out when I get back to work on tuesday.

Merry xmas all!
Scott.

 

When I had the oil changed on my '09 at the dealer last week I took the opportunity to talk with a salesman about the '12s. He acknowledged that they were quieter but also informed me that they would install No-Rez into the wheel wells and doors for $470 on my '09. Debating weather to have this done.

 

$470? That sounds pretty expensive for something you could install yourself in an afternoon..

 

Of course. Its a dealer. I forget what the hourly rate was but they figured 3.5 hours labor + the No-Rez.

 

My shop rate is 118$ an hour. At 3.5h that's 415$ roughly.. So the actual material must be very cheap.

 

Drove a manual '12 today. Definitely quieter. A few interior changes I dislike, a few I like. Still undecided between my three contenders for cars, but my Fit is now for sale.

 

Nice. I haven't driven a Fit before 2012, so it's cool to get this perspective from you.

What other cars are you considering?

 

Veloster, which I drove today but it was an auto and that alone made it suck.

Mustang, which would be my eighth overall and sixth of the 99-04 generation, so I know exactly what I'm getting.