I just test drove a 2.4 LT and was impressed by a better overall driving experience. A few days ago I test drove a 2.2 but it was a LS, prior rental. There are certainly a whole lot more 2.2s for sale where I live. I have been holding out for the larger engine. What are your experiences, especially on the highway when you may need those extra 30 horses.

 

When I was car shopping I actually drove a 2.2 LS first and liked it. I was told that I should hold out for the 2.4 engine. Three days later I drove the car that I ended up buying which is a 2LT 2.4 and LOVED it. I drive like a hat out of bell so acceleration is a big deal for me. I ran the heck out of both cars. Scared the salesman, it was great. I noticed a big difference mainly in acceleration. From a dead stop at a light or in traffic on the e-way, the 2.4 seemd to have that extra oomph that I liked. I don't know if its because the 2.4 had the sport suspension, but I noticed the handling around curves & on bumps was a little better too.

 

Same here. I have the 2.4 and the sport suspension, handles real good, hardly any lean in the corners and it out accelerates my old V6. When I do get on it, the steering gets light. I hate to think what the SS does!

 

Not this again....... The performance number on both the 2.4 & 2.2 are very close, make sure that difference you feel, isn't just in your head.

Drive both, make your own determination.

 

Test drive one and I guarantee, "hate" is the LAST word you will use!!!!

 

HHR SS #s
2.0 TC/5 Speed
0-60 MPH: 6.21
0-100 MPH 15.13
0-130 MPH: 31.05
1/4 Mile ET: 14.810
1/4 Mile MPH: 99.030

 

I've driven a 2.2 rental and my 2.4. I was pleasantly suprised by the 2.2. I would've probably bought the 2.2 if we could have found one equipped the way I wanted it (ABS/side airbags/sunroof/leather/upgraded stereo). Basically looking for a 2LT made it possible to get all of the features we wanted. Having the 2.4 really did not impact the purchase decision.

 

I went w/ the 2.4 because I planned on using the car for road trips to Vegas, I wanted the extra power for hauling w/4 people + luggage; an Automatic, only because I'm too much of a grump to deal with a 5-spd in traffic.

If you go for the 2.2, I'd say go with the 5 spd. Otherwise 2.4 Auto or spd.

 

I have a 99 V6 S10 that has a good kick to it--I was loathe to give up some of its power, so I was insistent that my HHR be an LT2 2.4. I have not been disappointed!

I'm going to Monterey soon and am I'm looking forward to see how Blackie does on the 'vine!

But yeah--like others say try them both!

 

But the 2.2 auto HHR would probably outrun it. Remember that the early IROC Z's in the 80's only had 160HP. Look at todays 4 bangers.