I am considering a Fit and would like to know if anyone knows whether or not the Base model gets better MPG than the Sport in real-life driving? Thanks!

 

It should be because the base is lighter. (no spoiler or BK)

 

They are rated the same in fuel economy. A little plastic trim along the bottom of the Sport isn't going to mess that up. They use the same engine, and same transmissions (only with the Sport AT, you get paddle shifters).

 

I certainly don't see why the base would get better mileage than the Sport. The only thing I could see being a factor, and a minor one at that, is the wheels. I don't know the weight of the steelies vs. the 15 alloys.

If you want a dressed up car ready to rock, then get the Sport. If you don't need all the gizmos and gadgets and you want to do a little customizing of your own down the line, I suggest the Fit base.

 

base should not. the extra stuff on the sport does not add a lot of weight to the base

 

The EPA estimates give the Sport automatic 1mpg less than the base, I guess due to the tires????

 

According to the brochure, the base Fit MT weighs 2432 lb, while the Sport AT weighs 2551 lb-- a 4 % penalty, which in the mid 30's for Fit mpg translates to about a 1-to-2 mpg difference.

 

The base will definately get better mpg. It may not be much better, but it will be better. The weight (while small will make a tiny difference in city driving). On the highway the aero parts create more drag and the larger tires add to the frontal area and also add drag.

The EPA rates the two the same because they only require a new test on cars with the same engine and tranny if they are 500 lbs apart.

 

The Base Fit should get slightly better fuel economy.'

Skinnier tires, less weight, it makes a difference.

But again, driving style makes a far larger difference.

 

The epa mpg estimate ratings are as follows:
base manual 33/38 base auto 31/38
sport manual 33/38 sport auto 31/37

 

forget EPA it's basis is seriously flawed. Base must be more efficient due to skinnier tires and no drag enducing spoiler unless theres some magic in the sport lower body trim that improves the aero. Somehow I doubt that, I think it's for pretty, not for ground effects. My suspicion is that Base MT with high tire pressure is the least gas hungry, though you have to watch the rpm. My tire pressures dropped to 33 from 36 over the last 4 weeks, coincidentally I used more gas. I'm going up to 38 psi all round tomorrow and will be checking tire pressure weekly, Anyway who ever saw a hybrid car with fat tires. (unless its a Ford token hybrid) and the solar powered cars in the trials have mega skinny tires, low drag = low resistance.

 

Don't forget that steel wheels are heavier than alloy wheels. Rotational mass hurts more than weight in a car, especially a measly 80lbs.

 

If they are the same size, then steelies are heavier. These are smaller, and so are the tires. I would wager the weight is about the same, if not less for the steelies.

 

Agreed - I suppose it could maybe make a 1mpg difference, all things being equal, but I think the difference would be minimal.

 

Well the title of the thread is "Base getting better MPG than Sport?" so now your question is answered

 

The 1992-2000 14x5 Civic steel wheels weight 18lbs. Likely the same for the Fit. Someone has already weighed the Fit Sport wheels, and said it weighed 15lbs. So the difference isn't as high as I thought.

The US Sport Dunlop SP31 A/S tire is listed as weighing 18lbs. The US Base Dunlops are listed as weighing 14lbs.

There goes that theory...