With the GE8 officially out, has there been a comparative review/thread between the two Fit generations? I ask only because I wonder how much the new Fit's seemingly-excessive front overhang impacts handling and performance. Observe the profile differences:

2007-2008 Fit


2009 Fit


I've been out of the Fit loop for awhile, so if performance between the two generations has been discussed at length (or, at least, the performance impact of the GE8's ginormous schnozz), can someone post the thread link? Thanks.

 

I like them both, but I prefer the 2009 simply because I own one. They both have their better angles. The 2009 looks better, imo, from the side to around the front and the earlier generations look better from the rear.

 

The nose on the 09 is bigger, but I wouldn't say it's ginormous. I think what makes it look exaggerated is how the windshield is sloped back back more on the 09 which contributes to a larger cabin feel.

 

That's true about the windshield; I didn't think about the extra cabin space possibly impacting exterior design.

But what about how it handles compared to the outgoing model? Because of the pronounced front-end, there should be more weight at the front which affects handling (more understeer, larger turning radius), not to mention more of a chance to plow hard into an unexpectedly-steep driveway.

 

I will most likely have an 08' and an 09' this spring.
I will keep the 08' for myself and give the 09' to the kids.
I will post back to this thread after I spend some time in the 09'.
But the boys don't want red........

 

Oh man, this thread is going to be great.... lol

GD3 is a better more responsive machine IMO

 

Couldn't of said it better myself.

 

Somehow the nose on the GE looks longer in profile pics than in the flesh (metal?) The GD looks more proportional to me though...What do you trade-up folks out there think about the handling differences?

 

Alright, so I spoke with a friend who does some autoX and amateur drift events in a Nissan 240sx. According to him, front overhang isn't much of an issue; rather, it's where the engine block is positioned relative to the strut towers - the further behind the struts, the better. This notion applies to both FR and FF types of cars.

Both generation of Fits have blocks that are forward of the strut towers:

GD engine bay


GE engine bay


In fact, with the new Fit, the struts look like they're under the windshield!


Does my friend have a good point about engine positioning? Because if applied to either Fit generation, both should understeer quite a bit. For those of you who have modded either generation, how do you rectify the understeeer (if at all)?

 

I think the GE8 has a bit better handling than the GD3. I'm still breaking her in so I haven't pushed her hard enough to push the understeer envelope. The longer front nose should not have any effect on understeer but the longer wheelbase should in a better way. The longer nose would not give the Fit more weight either since the engine is closer under the dash. As for responsiveness, the drive by wire on the GE8 provides a great deal of feedback than the GD3 when revving up the throttle. The GD3 gas pedal felt like driving a Logitech Driving GT wheel. I've experience a better throttle response when upgraded my previous GD3's Injen CAI compare to the stock. So if folks are stating this and comparing it to the GE8 stock throttle response it's a subjective opinion.

 

Very interesting thread. I originally like the GD but after my deal didnt work out with the dealership I ended up getting the GE and I must say I am Very glad I got this one. The Interior is much more sporty than the previous model and some of the features like the usb interface were definitely a deal breaker for me. Im very proud to say i LOVE my GE8.