Limited Slip
#1
10-13-2012 | 11:20 AM
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1
From: NY
Limited Slip Differential
I haven't bought a Fit yet but seriously thinking about it. I live in the great white north and I want to know if the Fit has limited slip differential...because let's face it, it won't be great in snow etc if it doesn't have it. Anyone know?? Also, please share input generally on how the Fit has handled inclement winter weather..thx.
Last edited by Sabrina1; 10-13-2012 at 11:52 AM.
#2
10-13-2012 | 12:08 PM
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 72
From: Ski country somewhere south of Buffalo, NY
Being front wheel drive, it does not have a differential. It has a transaxle and I really doubt it is limited slip. Never seen a front wheel drive vehicle of any type with limited slip. The only transaxle I know of in that category is the Thorson, and I can find anything on them anymore. Don't know if anyone is using that technology or not.
I too, am from up state NYS, in the lake effect snowbelt area south of Buffalo, and have found that running snow tires all the way around will get me through anything that a awd will go through and handle just a good. They say the Dunlaps on the Fit do not stick well, so I ordered a set (4) of Michelin X-Ice Xi2 Studless Ice and Snow tires. They are on closeout sale at Tire Rack for a unbelievable $74.00 each. They have stellar reviews and some professional reviewers say there is only one tire better (Nokian Happka R). The new Michelin X-Ice Xi3 is reputed to be even better, but does not have a consumer review history yet. I figure on getting a full three years out of the X-Ice Xi2 tires, and maybe even 4 years.
I too, am from up state NYS, in the lake effect snowbelt area south of Buffalo, and have found that running snow tires all the way around will get me through anything that a awd will go through and handle just a good. They say the Dunlaps on the Fit do not stick well, so I ordered a set (4) of Michelin X-Ice Xi2 Studless Ice and Snow tires. They are on closeout sale at Tire Rack for a unbelievable $74.00 each. They have stellar reviews and some professional reviewers say there is only one tire better (Nokian Happka R). The new Michelin X-Ice Xi3 is reputed to be even better, but does not have a consumer review history yet. I figure on getting a full three years out of the X-Ice Xi2 tires, and maybe even 4 years.
Last edited by parmm; 10-13-2012 at 12:11 PM.
#3
10-13-2012 | 12:22 PM
I have driven both the GD and the GE versions in the snow and can report that the stock tires are marginal at best. I'm an experienced snow belt driver, so for both cars I have a set of winter tires. For the GD I have a set of 175/16-14 General Altimax Arctics, and on the GE, a set of 185/55-16 Blizzaks. Both tire brands have excellent performance ratings and I can attest that it transforms the driving experience to much more stable performance under winter driving conditions.
#5
10-13-2012 | 01:11 PM
THE fit does not come with a limited slip diff although many FWD car do come with it the fit is not one of them, but now for the good news, the 2011 and up fit's have VSA (vehicle stability assist) and it works AWESOME in the snow, even with the stock tires and damn near worn out, in a pretty good snow storm last year my fit is freaking awesome compaired to my 2007 (that didn't have VSA available) but even then with blizzack my 2007 was pretty good. i'm looking forward to this winter and my new"ish" allseason tires to hit THE SLOPES
#7
10-13-2012 | 03:58 PM
Fit doesn't have an LSD but I didn't have a single issue with it last winter, although in my years of driving I've never been snuck in the snow and I've almost always driven a lowered FWD car that was 10+ years old.
#8
10-13-2012 | 03:59 PM
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 523
From: North West NJ
I have yet to drive the Fit in deep snow (last year was disappointing as far as snow!) but I drove from NJ to Toronto in a snow storm last January and even at freeway speeds (and up!) in light/packed snow and strong winds (50mph gusts that day!) I had no major problems while running General Altimax Arctics. It is a fantastically stable car.
#9
10-25-2012 | 06:28 PM
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 321
From: Running Springs, CA
Being front wheel drive, it does not have a differential. It has a transaxle and I really doubt it is limited slip. Never seen a front wheel drive vehicle of any type with limited slip. The only transaxle I know of in that category is the Thorson, and I can find anything on them anymore. Don't know if anyone is using that technology or not.
#10
10-25-2012 | 11:35 PM
Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 72
From: Ski country somewhere south of Buffalo, NY
Yes, it has a differential, inside the transaxle. If it didnt, the front wheels would be jerking and skidding around corners, but winter traction straight ahead would be perfect. Limited slip in front tends not to work well because of the slip angles involved with steering. That is why electronic traction control is more common today. Retrofitting it is probably not practical. I use cable chains for snow conditions, but that is a legal requirement here.
Honda Integra - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
and
Honda Civic Si - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Both have front axle Torsen differentials. When a Torsen differential is employed, the slower-moving wheel always receives more torque than the faster-moving wheel. Lots of the high end vehicles have this front axle differential. Read about this technology quite a few years ago, but did not know it was in use today until I went searching. Didn't know whether to call it a differential or transaxle. Had seen the Torsen referred to as a transaxle years ago.
Last edited by parmm; 10-25-2012 at 11:38 PM.
#11
10-26-2012 | 11:48 AM
Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 321
From: Running Springs, CA
I think you will find only high performance, not necessarily high end, cars would have a mechanical limited slip differential. There may still be some jerkiness that only the driver of a performance car would tolerate. Electronic traction control is better suited to family or luxury cars. Since the latter limits engine torque output, its not suitable for an Si or similar car.
#12
10-26-2012 | 05:58 PM
Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 72
From: Ski country somewhere south of Buffalo, NY
Infact it is used on all the following front axle drive cars:
Honda/Acura Integra Type R
Alfa Romeo: GT, 147 Q2
Honda Civic Si (06-current)
Honda Civic 1.8 VTi Europe & UK (5-door & Aerodeck Wagon, 1996–2000)
Ford Focus RS
Nissan Maxima SE 6 Speed manual
Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec-V
Oldsmobile Calais W41 (7 cars equipped from the factory, C41 option code)
Oldsmobile Achieva W41 (7-10 cars equipped from the factory, C41 option code)
Rover 200 Coupe Turbo, 200 BRM/LE, 220 Turbo, 420 Turbo, 620 Ti, 820 Vitesse (200PS version only)
Honda Accord Type R
Subaru Impreza STI after 2005
Volvo 850 T5-R
Volvo 850 R
#14
10-26-2012 | 07:46 PM
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Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,657
From: Boston, MA
To the poster above - all those cars have electronic traction control probably because it's required. Some may even have traction control that mimics a limited slid by braking individual wheels in addition to power cuts. I believe the Focus is like that.
But you can have a limited slid diff in a car that also has traction control. The Si has a limited slip diff, just as one example, precisely for the reason mentioned - it would be fairly useless on a track without it.
Some transmissions are meant to accept either a regular or limited slip diff. For example, because the RSX Type S used one, related K-series trans can accept one if you want to add it. But I do not think the L-series was ever designed with a limited slip. TO make a joke, in our cars slip is limited .. by HP. :P
But you can have a limited slid diff in a car that also has traction control. The Si has a limited slip diff, just as one example, precisely for the reason mentioned - it would be fairly useless on a track without it.
Some transmissions are meant to accept either a regular or limited slip diff. For example, because the RSX Type S used one, related K-series trans can accept one if you want to add it. But I do not think the L-series was ever designed with a limited slip. TO make a joke, in our cars slip is limited .. by HP. :P
#15
10-26-2012 | 11:12 PM
Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 72
From: Ski country somewhere south of Buffalo, NY
To the poster above - all those cars have electronic traction control probably because it's required. Some may even have traction control that mimics a limited slid by braking individual wheels in addition to power cuts. I believe the Focus is like that.
But you can have a limited slid diff in a car that also has traction control. The Si has a limited slip diff, just as one example, precisely for the reason mentioned - it would be fairly useless on a track without it.
Some transmissions are meant to accept either a regular or limited slip diff. For example, because the RSX Type S used one, related K-series trans can accept one if you want to add it. But I do not think the L-series was ever designed with a limited slip. TO make a joke, in our cars slip is limited .. by HP. :P
But you can have a limited slid diff in a car that also has traction control. The Si has a limited slip diff, just as one example, precisely for the reason mentioned - it would be fairly useless on a track without it.
Some transmissions are meant to accept either a regular or limited slip diff. For example, because the RSX Type S used one, related K-series trans can accept one if you want to add it. But I do not think the L-series was ever designed with a limited slip. TO make a joke, in our cars slip is limited .. by HP. :P
#16
10-26-2012 | 11:31 PM
Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 135
From: Columbus Ohio
I owned a 09 Civic Si, with LSD of course, through 3 winters. Snow tires were an absolute must due to my Direzza Star Spec summer tires, and it was a blast to drive with Blizzacks and eventually Altimax Arctics.
My 97 Integra GS-R had a plain diff like the Fit does, and snow tires transformed it into a snow beast.
My 97 Integra GS-R had a plain diff like the Fit does, and snow tires transformed it into a snow beast.
#19
10-31-2012 | 03:57 PM
I have pictures on here somewhere from rallying around during Chicago's Snowpocalypse in 2010 with only a set of snow tires.
In the middle of the night with more than 14" of snow already on the ground and occasionally plowing through drifts that were as deep as the door handles.
Occasionally stopping in shallow spots made by the wind between drifts to clean the headlights, wheel wells and windshield.
In the middle of the night with more than 14" of snow already on the ground and occasionally plowing through drifts that were as deep as the door handles.
Occasionally stopping in shallow spots made by the wind between drifts to clean the headlights, wheel wells and windshield.
