[AeroModder]

Since my car is in the shop after the power steering blew before I had a chance to bypass it, I'm renting a 2008 Chevy Aveo. I can say with complete certanty that throttle-by-wire SUCKS. Not only is there a 0.2 second lag between pressing the throttle and it responding, but it jerks when it catches up to your foot on the throttle. Also, there is very little pedal feel, since you're just moving the simple lever and not turning a throttle plate. This makes it easier for your foot to relax and make you speed.

I've actually timed the lag, and I can tap the gas and have my foot off of the pedal before it registers and jerks forward. With a throttle cable, I can more precisely control the throttle position and accelerate much smoother.

Now, with that jerking, I'm assuming that the engine is squirting in more gas than it would with a soft, smooth start. This, combined with how easy it is to speed with very little pedal resistance, leads me to conclude that it is much easier to burn more gas with fly-by-wire.




Other general complaints about the Aveo are that I can't see the turn signal indicators, half of the fuel and temp gauges, and the tops of the speedo and tach because they're hidden under the top of the steering wheel. A very poorly designed car, in my opinion. I'll be glad to be rid of it.

Good points include a good helping of low-end power/torque, smooth shifting, and 4 speeds. Sadly, that's where it ends.