...&.the other have rear wheel drive? If this is true, does the Honda Fit have rear wheel drive ? If so , for driving up a hills, in snowy , icy, slushy Quebec winters, which is better ? Im trying to make up my mind which one to buy. More fuel economy in the Fit, abut more room in the Matrix, I think.. I remember years ago it was less expensive in gas and in repairs to drive a manual transmission. I have heard that the automatic transmission today are just as fuel efficient due to the computers. If I know how to drive a manual, is it better to go back to one, or in the long run is automatic as good or better ? Is there a difference in the cost of reapairing a manual over an automatic transmission, or other considerations Im not aware of ?