Paddle shifters on the steering wheel? (Honda Fit)

[Zenmervolt]

Brake pads are cheaper to replace than transmissions.

An automatic with paddle shift will have the appropriate software and electronic controls to modulate a downshift without adding any meaningful stress on the transmission. Downshifting to engine brake with such a transmission would be perfectly fine.

The problem was on older automatics without the appropriate electronic controls where dropping the lever down a gear would result in the transmission "slamming" into the lower gear and substantially stressing the brake bands and/or clutch packs.

ZV

 

[Zivic]

No offense, but a Fit is so far away from a fast car that... well... no. Just no. With an aftermarket turbo, an exhaust, and a tune, you'll push out maybe 130 horsepower and 130 ft-lbs. Stock it's something like 90/80. For comparison, a stock Fiesta has 120 hp base, and 103 ft-lbs.

Anyway, the paddle shifters work and can be fun to play with, but really you don't gain much over a normal auto. In addition, they rotate with the steering wheel, so it can be a real nuisance to paddle shift through hard curves (like when you might want to drop from third or second to first coming out of a really tight turn).

I need to jump in and say a fit is a good car and a lot of fun to drive. I had a fit for about 18 months. it is not fast, but is enjoyable and sporty to drive.

it isn't all about HP.

 

[Doppel]

I need to jump in and say a fit is a good car and a lot of fun to drive. I had a fit for about 18 months. it is not fast, but is enjoyable and sporty to drive.

it isn't all about HP.

You know, this ain't no 10-second race.

 

[Zivic]

You know, this ain't no 10-second race.

from an outsider looking in, it's easy to talk trash about the fit.... but it is a great car. plenty fun. handles great for such an economy setup. very little body roll, good road feel. just a nice sporty little car. sure it isn't the quickest thing on the street, but just rolling around town, I enjoyed mine a lot.... a lot more than I ever expected to.

 

[Howard]

You know, this ain't no 10-second race.

Asshole, I live my life one Honda Fit at a time.

 

[Perknose]

Using the automatic transmission as a brake is one of those things you should only do when going down hill or when trying to slow down a very heavy load such as a camping trailer loaded with junk.

Not to mention that, with the intermediary of the torque converter in an automatic, you don't get anywhere near the straight engine braking that you get from downshifting with a manual.

The same intermediary that lets you idle at a stoplight w/o your foot on the brake (try THAT in gear with a manual!) is the same intermediary that prevents full engine braking.

 

[Howard]

The same intermediary that lets you idle at a stoplight w/o your foot on the brake (try THAT in gear with a manual!) is the same intermediary that prevents full engine braking.

You mean "with", right?

 

[Zenmervolt]

The same intermediary that lets you idle at a stoplight w/o your foot on the brake (try THAT in gear with a manual!) is the same intermediary that prevents full engine braking.

Especially because torque converters only efficiently transfer power in one direction because of the vane structure.

Still, modern automatics, especially those with a pseudo-manual mode, will keep the lockup clutch engaged during engine braking at higher speeds so you'll still get engine braking by ordering a downshift in modern automatics.

ZV

 

[Jumpem]

Brake pads are cheaper to replace than transmissions.

I don't drive cars outside of warranty.

 

[ShawnD1]

I don't drive cars outside of warranty.

Typical ATOT response.

The longest warranty you will ever find on anything is 100,000 miles or 5 years, whichever comes first. Have fun making car payments for the rest of your life.

 

[JCH13]

Typical ATOT response.

The longest warranty you will ever find on anything is 100,000 miles or 5 years, whichever comes first. Have fun making car payments for the rest of your life.

Toyota offers an extended warranty at 8year/125k miles. Ford is 7year/125k miles. Mazda is 10years/100k miles. GM is 7year/100k miles... I could go on.

Also, some people can pay 100% cash for their cars.

 

[ShawnD1]

Throwing down 30k is what I do every day, yo

 

[Jumpem]

Typical ATOT response.

The longest warranty you will ever find on anything is 100,000 miles or 5 years, whichever comes first. Have fun making car payments for the rest of your life.

I have no problem with that. I see it as just another monthly expense like an electric bill.

 

[SparkyJJO]

Mod a Fit?

 

[prism]

Honda Fit? Sounds like a serial killer's name. Are you a serial killer, Fit?

 

[premdayalprem]

paddle shifter used for easy gearing

http://pajerosport.in/performance.php