Still miss the handling of my last car (Subaru)

[mwr]

I guess my FFH handles well for a mid-size sedan, but it falls far short of the handling I was used to from my 2005 Subaru Legacy GT Wagon which was smaller with a lower-center-of-gravity engine. I knew that going in so it's no surprise, but I continue to notice it. Also, the Michelin Energy Saver tires on my FFH start to make noise if you push it in a curve even a bit.

 

I've read here of the Steeda strut tower brace and larger rear sway bar and may add those at some point in time.

[Griswald]

You bought a vehicle that has an American "comfortable" suspension and an additional 700 pounds of hybrid stuff. It will NEVER compare to an import "sporty" suspension with a low weight.

 

The tires are fair, but replacements ECO tires won't be much better. The suspension can be helped with the 1" lowering kit that is available for the AWD Fusion. The weight...you're never going to be able to fix that.

 

The strut tower brace and rear sway bar are the last things you should add.

[mwr]

The strut tower brace and rear sway bar are the last things you should add.

Why would that be?

[acdii]

They do stiffen the suspension, but lowering the cars CG will make the most improvement. Keep in mind you have a massive battery in the trunk behind the axle, that mass back there will never be removed no matter how you change the suspension. Besides its a 5 passenger family Sedan, not a sports car. Even the Fusion Sport was no match for a car designed from Rally cars.

[Cobra348]

But some of us ... like me ... have inclines that if the suspension is lowered an inch may cause damage to the front faschia. My driveway has a 12 degree incline from the street and the Fiestas I currently have are barely able to make it when it's snowing out. Coming out - even in Summer - it's not uncommon for the front to hit bottom (road) as we exit.

 

For me. I don't wish front end repairs unless absolutely needed ... I'll be going the Steeda route as soon as I can post-delivery. Still no VIN ... closing on 3 weeks since order.

[acdii]

Whats funny is the first Fusion I always seemed to hit something with the front end, but it has never happened with the current one. Then again if you lower a car for performance, you really aren't making it DD friendly for all weather either. Time and place for everything, like a performance tune for the MKT, where would I be able to enjoy it but at a track, so why bother with the upgrades if I can't use it to its fullest.

 

I would love to autoX a lowered tuned EB Flex, that would be a blast, but no where around here where I can do that.

[Griswald]

 

Why would that be?

 

Better money spent in the springs/tires. Stiffening the body won't ever overcome the tall suspension and the current tires will slide even if they are sitting flat to the road. They just arent sticky.

[Cobra348]

 

 

 

Better money spent in the springs/tires. Stiffening the body won't ever overcome the tall suspension and the current tires will slide even if they are sitting flat to the road. They just arent sticky.

With the suspension you may be right ... but one can ALWAYS find stickier tires for these things. I know from the current driveway stable that OEM tires stink in snow/ice and are not suited to it at all. Therefore my first purchase after the car was to get proper tires for the season I knew would be coming at some point. And because I had a wad of unplanned for cash around I got rims from TireRack. Non-Winter set - TR rims and OEM tires; Winter set - OEM rims and snow/ice rated Goodyears Fuel Max tread. Works really well.

[Griswald]

Stickier tires yes, but are you wasting the extra money you spent to buy a hybrid?

 

Or have you found an ECO rated tire thats stickier?

[md13ffhguy]

I don't understand. It's a hybrid, built for efficiency and comfort. I don't see why anyone who desires handling is even driving one of these, but as they say, to each their own. Enjoy! ;)

[md13ffhguy]

In other words, I've yet to put it in a situation where I've even paid attention to "handling." As I've mentioned before, my norm has been to drive it gently. Driving the speed limit generally doesn't lead to thoughts of wanting to improve handling.

[acdii]

It IS the best handling Hybrid out there.

[md13ffhguy]

It IS the best handling Hybrid out there.

Kind of like the prettiest nun in the convent... ;)

[GrySql]

It IS the best handling Hybrid out there.

Especially with the 18" wheels and Continental PureContact with EcoPlus Technology 235/45R18 LRR tires. :)

Edited February 26, 2015 by GrySql

[SteveB_TX]

It IS the best handling Hybrid out there.

 

Um... NO! The MKZh in Sport Mode is the best handling Hybrid out there. I should know, since we own both. Right Hermans? Hermans? Hello? :)

[acdii]

Thats not a Buick!

[TonyHzNV]

For me. I don't wish front end repairs unless absolutely needed ... I'll be going the Steeda route as soon as I can post-delivery. Still no VIN ... closing on 3 weeks since order.

Larry: just so you know, when you install the strut tower brace and/or hood struts, you will need the torque for the bolts. The instruction sheet just says tighten to OEM specs and their YouTube video just says tighten to a snug fit. Per the (2014) shop manual, the torque is 26 Ft. Lbs. I installed my strut tower brace + hood struts a couple weeks ago and I really like the way it corners now. It doesn't "lean" so much into the turn any more. I also have the rear sway bar but haven't installed it yet. I wanted to see how much difference they each make. BTW, LOVE the hood struts too!

Edited February 27, 2015 by TonyHzNV