Hi,
First time poster here. I have a 2011 2LT that I really like quite a bit, but am thinking of getting an SS. I like the utility of the HHR, but a little extra fun would be welcome at times. There are currently no SS's very close to me, so I have never driven one. My questions are for those who have driven both.

Is the SS suspension very much rougher riding than the "sport" suspension of the 2LT?

Are the 18" tires any louder than the 17" ?

Seat comfort opinions of both.

I had a GTI earlier that I liked parts of it really well, but the deal breakers were the seat, the loud tires, and to a lesser extent the ride.

Thanks in advance for any input.

 

I own one of each, love them both for different reasons. It's had to believe they are the same trucklett. The SS suspension is stiffer, with a quicker ratio. Drive one you will see why they need it. You can put fe3 suspension and tires and wheels on an SS if you want, I have an extra set of them for you in the garage

Welcome to the site....

 

Thanks for the welcome and the reply. The nearest SS that I'm interested in is a 3 hour drive, so it is not easy to just go drive one. I am trying to get some preliminary info before I commit to wasting a whole day.
How about the tire noise? My GTI would almost hurt your ears at certain speeds. When I got my HHR, it was such a relief. I do however miss the power sometimes.

 

I drove 6 hours to buy my SS sight unseen. Just make sure you talk to the seller and ask all of the right questions before you go.

 

Really depends on the tires, how much noise they make, I've had 6 or 7 different tires on the beast and the gmax03 was the quietest. The stock Michelin were by far the worst tire in every category, I traded them in on some eagle F1's, probably the best cornering tire I have tried. So if it still has the Michilins, don't expect anything good.

 

The type/maker of tire determines the noise,,,18's will just allow you to feel more road, it makes the car feel more firm and not as squiggly with a normal setup.
It corners like a bandit too! You can do no wrong getting an SS...your mileage will even increase over the LT! And if Sam had his way, his panel would be a SS!

 

No, I like my 2LT for work, I've got 3 speeding tickets in it, damn cameras....

But I am trying to secure one more HHR, a SS panel to complete the set. Hows the pickup doing for ya ?

 

Seats are about the same, unless you have leather in your LT?

 

The biggest difference is when you mash the right pedal to the floor.

 

SS fan. You say you like the 2LT for work. Why is that? More comfortable or some other reason. I probably drive 75 miles per day and comfort is a big factor.

Thanks everyone for all the input. It should help me make my decision.