Is it really that bad?

[crazyrog17]

Is the accelleration in the Festiva bad?

My girlfriend's 323 takes off like an old dog with that excitement in her eyes but no power in the legs. The 323 is an automatic and mashing the gas does nothing but reverberate the sound of ten hamsters scampering under the hood.

The Festy that I'm looking at is an automatic as well. I'd prefer a 5 speed but assume I can swap one in later if it's that bad.

Will I be passed by granny on a hoverround or is it tolerable?

[wybnrml]

My first Festiva was an automatic and my current Festiva is an automatic and they aren't bad. I get 35 MPG with mixed driving. If the engine is worn out, then obviously it's going to feel like a dog. But if you don't like it, then you can swap to a five speed easily.

[1988festivazoom]

The festy is only 60hp and u can plan on less than that to the wheels with an auto vs. A manual.

[Grey Vw]

The festiva acceleration rivals that of my Jetta under 50mph. The highway is the only place the lack of power of the festiva actually shows.

[Charlie1717]

I didn't mind in my 91 manual. It's definitely peppy. I love when I can keep up with ricers around town.

[crazyrog17]

The festiva acceleration rivals that of my Jetta under 50mph. The highway is the only place the lack of power of the festiva actually shows.

I can totally see that in the 323 as well.

For around town though, you're all giving positive feedback, awesome.

Well, I'm going to check out the car tomorrow! I'll have to bring the camera and post back.

[1988festivazoom]

I agree with that. My car does great 1/8 mile times but the qtr mile sucks I only gain 10 mph from the 1/8 to the qtr lol but even when I had the b3 it was peppy till 4th gear then its just a gutless economy car lol

[sketchman]

I'd disagree completely, personally. My 5 speed 93 feels slow as dirt wherever I am, and slower than dirt on the highway. I can't pull hills in 5th without the car slowing down on its own, even with it floored.

Maybe something's wrong with mine, but it can't compare at all to the feel of my old 5 speed neon and mine was the grocery getter version. Night and day.

[Kraig]

My 5 speed Festiva will out run my daughter's Aveo no problem!

[bhazard]

0-60 for a 5 speed is around 10 seconds. Thats quite respectable compared to the other subcompacts of the time.

The autos I've driven are adequately peppy up to 40-50. Very fun around town. I would say they arent really noticeably slower than a 5 speed.

If you need more pep a B6 would do just fine with the stock auto. Or keep the B3 and swap in an aspire auto.

[scitzz]

I'd disagree completely, personally. My 5 speed 93 feels slow as dirt wherever I am, and slower than dirt on the highway. I can't pull hills in 5th without the car slowing down on its own, even with it floored.

Maybe something's wrong with mine, but it can't compare at all to the feel of my old 5 speed neon and mine was the grocery getter version. Night and day.

You need to learn what 5th is for

My 5 speed, well, four ATM, does fine around town as a manual. On the highway, well, keep the revs up and you do a'ight....

[denguy]

I have a 91 5spd with 250kms and a 92 5spd with 150k. The 91 is way quicker then the 92 and I don't know why. I wonder if the computers are different? Thinking about swapping them. I have just ordered Rocketman chips for the 92 to see if that helps.

[Evil D]

Mine comes off the line pretty decent for what it is but it has no balls whatsoever past about 40mph. Of course i'm using to 420hp

[sketchman]

You need to learn what 5th is for

My 5 speed, well, four ATM, does fine around town as a manual. On the highway, well, keep the revs up and you do a'ight....

I got used to never having to down shift on the freeway unless it was a very steep hill.

It's simple, I think. About 30lbs per hp in a Festiva or about 18.5lbs per hp in the Neon. Gearing is similar with the Festiva having a slight edge with final drive ratio IIRC. The difference is VERY noticeable and once you're used to a "higher" level, it compounds the boringness of lower ones. Like getting used to a BPT swapped Festy and then driving your B3 DD.

[crazyrog17]

I'll be coming from a 4.6L V8 with 200 some horsies so... the highway hasn't been a problem and as a matter of fact, I have a few 'awards' from the government!