I own a 2009 Fit S, and my wife has a 2007 Fit S, both with the paddle- shifted automatics. Yesterday, I had the opportunity to drive my wife's car for the first time since I bought the 2009.

My take on it is that the 2007 is faster, has sharper handling and much more effective brakes. The engine sounds smoother and less labored. Granted the 2009 is a little larger, has some nice improvements (adjustable wheel, the back seats fold better, etc.) and gets significantly better gas mileage.

Makes me somewhat sad that I traded in my 2007 stick Fit for the 2009. Comments?

 

The GD (2007-08 in US) is lighter, has stiffer suspension, lower (if I recall correctly) and like you already know is shorter than the current GE (2009-current in US) so it will naturally be more agile stock for stock.

Also when comparing fuel mileage, the A/T Fit will usually get better highway MPGs than its M/T counter part of the same chassis/generation. This is due to its gearing. At 80 MPH an A/T GD's engine will rev around 3K RPMs and in contrast the M/T GD's engine will rev around 4K RPMs and also be using additional fuel because it will have VTEC engaged (it engages at 3400 RPMs).

 

I think that the 2007 is good too, but I didn't try it yet. Some people also prefere the 09+ seats (I don't like them though).

 

the only part i like about the GD are the front headlights...makes the car looks meaner than GE

 

The M/T fit along with nearly every M/T car gets better gas mileage when compared to its A/T counterpart, more power is used to operate its automatic gearbox, despite the somewhat longer gear ratio, M/Ts usually always comes out on top in terms of MPG. Also the engagement point of vtec on the fit varies by throttle input, and happens between 2200-3400 rpms. From what ive seen, its nearly impossible to stay out of vtec and maintain good speed in the proper gear.

 

This.

I took extended drives of the A/T and M/T and the Manual ALWAYS got at least 1.5-2+ mpg better. And it makes sense too. Less power needed to push through the auto power box, and it also weighs around 200lbs more. That's like having an extra large male passenger riding with you at all times.

 

Although i agree on the MPG, im pretty sure the A/T doesnt weigh 200lbs more than the M/T. Ive yet to work on a honda with a transmission that weighed much over 100 lbs, MT or AT, let alone a honda with a A/T transmission that weighs 200lbs more than its M/T version.

 

i completely agree. i have both the 09AT and 08MT. the 08 MT wins hands down as far as fun driving it and overall performance...it's a more raw car.

but the 09's in whole is a better car imho, especially if my GE had MT... man, i think i would like it more.

 

i think M/T no matter what the year takes the cake, my gf has an 07 AT and i have 07 MT, as far as fun and performance goes, ill take mine anyday, the MT fit is a whole 2 seconds faster 0-60 than the AT fit, and with better gas mileage....why drive AT

 

I've owned an 08 manual, and currently own a 2010 manual..
Here's some things I noticed.

-gd did handle better..

Seems like it was much stiffer.

-ge is more comfortable.

Suspension, and interior room.