I have 4 in my carpool and the car doesn't have a problem. My carpool buddies continue to be amazed how well this small car handles carpool duty and still handles our s turns and 80 mph freeway with ease.

 

Specifications don't matter one iota.

Results do.

 

I also disagree with the notion that Mexico-built VW cars are of lower quality than Germany-built VW cars.

They're both garbage.

 

with 150hp the rabbit will handle better

 

Interesting.

Most people think the suspension, tires, and weight distribution affect the handling while the engine affects acceleration.

 

as noted in some professional road tests the fit handled very badly when loaded with passengers or cargo. the mazda5 suffered the same problem.

 

How bout showing those road tests. I have read every road test I could find and I don't remember that one. Grant you power wise it is alittle noticeable with 4 200 pounders in the car but as far as handling it just smoothes the ride a little still very good in the twisties. And I still average 36mpg on this california water gas.

 

Ignoring the complete lack of any evidence what so ever, what does that have to do with the engine output?

 

they both will handle like crap on fully loaded condition. cars will never handle good with increased weight. F1 will not handle good if you put an extra 500 pound weight on it. i just dont' see there is any point to compare when both are fully loaded.

 

would you mind to post the link of that professional test result?

 

ive owned two vw cars one of which was a rabbit. vws are not at the level of the honda. At this time the vw company does not share repair manuals with other journyman mechanics so you are forced to go to the vw dealer... Vws are good but if you have a problem you dont want to own one. back and forth to the dealers..... personally I wanted to buy a tdi golf or jetta. To anwer your question I am happy to own a fit. Dont get me wrong when a rabbit drives buy I look but I dont touch.... the Fit fits me

 

I would have been tempted to try the Rabbit, but when I saw the long term Consumer Reports info on VWs in general compared to Honda vehicles, I'm very happy with the Fit. It reminds me of my old Civic wagon for cargo room and passenger comfort, plus it has the Magic Seats. For those of us who keep a car 10 years plus, you just can't beat a Honda!

 

I'm also trying to decide between the Fit and the Rabbit. I've been the VW dealership to look at the Rabbit, and I love it. I haven't had a chance to test drive it yet, but the car is top notch. I haven't been to a Honda dealer to check out the Fit, as none of the local ones have any in stock, but they're on the way so I'll go check one out soon. I intend to test drive the Fit then head over to the VW dealer and test drive the Rabbit.

I have a feeling I'm going to enjoy the Rabbit a lot more. The only big negative about it is its gas mileage, but from what I've read on these forums the Fit's gas mileage isn't quite as great as it's hyped up to be. A Rabbit with all of the options I would want (4dr, sunroof, etc.) will run me around 20k before taxes, whereas the automatic Fit Sport will be around 16k before taxes. 4k is quite a big difference, but if the Fit's performance is underwhelming to me then I think I could justify it.

I'm currently driving a 95 Civic EX, which has around 120 horsepower. Is the Fit going to be slower than my current car? If so, I think I'll definately go with the Rabbit.

 

Let's put it this way...I'm here because I'm trying to unload my VW Beetle.

I've become very disillusioned by VW. All their lower-end cars are piss poor in longevity. I'm looking at the Fit as a replacement.

I don't have any experience with the Fit or the Rabbit, but based on my VW experience, don't do it! Get the Honda.

 

Ive got a 1998 VW Jetta right now. Its pretty solid. It taught five people how to drive. It got me through lord knows how many autocrosses. Its taken me to south padre island and back 3-4 times. I dunno, maybe I got lucky, but my car has been as reliable as a honda. And it shows no sign of stopping. Based on my VW experience, do it! Get a VW.

But seriously though, i think its unfair to compare a Rabbit and a fit because the rabbit is in a completely different market than the fit. If youre looking at a Rabbit, you might as well look at the civic too. Its only fair.

 

Actually - I, as well as many people I'm sure, did look at the compacts. After all the Fit Sport is nearly equal to the Civic LX after everything.

Looked at: Civic, Corolla, Yaris 5-door, Aerio, Fit, Matrix, Sentra, Mazda 3 sedan, Mazda 3 Sport. Versa came out later, did not get a chance to evaluate it at the time.

 

I really don't like the look of the new Civics. The front end is ugly as hell, as is the dash.

 

I totally agree. VW is known for horrible reliability lately. That's why I left GM.

Give me a car that will last me 200k miles. Honda can, VW can't.

 

If you're still thinking about the Rabbit, here's another article that might be helpful.

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/...608110320/1003

 

Hmmm... A bit biased if you ask me. This is not a good article to form an opinion on. Im sure that little hiccup in acceleration is caused by the auto tranny. Every single automatic hesitates when you gas it.