"Joseph Oberlander" > wrote
> Elle wrote:
snip drivel
> > Naturally exactly what that "certain amount of power" "one" needs will
> > depend on vehicle specifics.
>
> We're talking about maybe 8-10HP difference but 7-8mpg.

We're talking about 80-83 hp for the 1.4L Fit and 1.3L Jazz (that's what a
few sites said, anyway) vs. 92 hp for my 1.5L Civic. This is over 10%
difference.

My 1.5L Civic battles to get up to 80 mph, on the rare occasions when
surrounding traffic warrants going this high. From experience driving it, I
estimate its optimal mpg occurs closer to 50 mph.

Without further investigation (e.g. the Fit could be significantly lighter
than the Civic, so its acceleration may turn out to be better), I remain
concerned that I would notice the lack of power. Of course, one could adjust
to it, but as long as much bigger engines are on the road (for similar size
vehicles), I am not sure I would be comfortable with even less acceleration
capability.