When I had my first car (volvo w/ stick shift), I did all my braking with the car in neutral. i figured why burn extra gas when all I'm trying to do is stop? The brakes seem to be more than up to the task. Two years later I'm surprised to find that my rotors are warped from excessive heat buildup. After that I started using the engine to help me slow down. I did notice decreased fuel economy, but my brakes are much happier, and there seems to be no undue wear to the valvetrain.
That being said, Volvos have a big, torquey engine, and weigh a lot more than Hondas. the 1.5-1.6 liter engines probably don't provide that much negative torque, and the brakes don't need as much force to slow a 2200-lb car.
That being said, Volvos have a big, torquey engine, and weigh a lot more than Hondas. the 1.5-1.6 liter engines probably don't provide that much negative torque, and the brakes don't need as much force to slow a 2200-lb car.