The bigger issue is that 1st is usually much shorter than 2nd, and you have to be careful not to mechanically overrev the engine. Most auto manufacturers design their crs so that they do not go into 1st very easily unless the car is stopped or going very slowly. The actual act of downshifting into 1st isn't bad when done correctly, but can be very expensive if you get it wrong.
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2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STI (daily driver)
1999 Mazda Miata (track car, slow, but finished the SCCA Runoffs)
1987 Porsche 944 (being rebuilt)
