I went from a 2.2 '08 LT to a 2.2 '09 LS and I swear the '08 was faster. The '08 had 128k miles and my '09 has 30K miles. I run the same gas the only difference in cars was the '08 had 17" wheels and the '09 has 16". The cars computer says I am getting better gas mileage from the '09 then I did from the '08.

 

Possibly the '09 has VVT and the '08 did not!!

 

whats a VVT?

 

Variable Valve Timing.

 

ok, thanks

the '09 is flex fuel compatible and the '08 was not. I wonder if that makes any difference in performance

 

My sisters older non flex Suburban will run circles around my nephews flex fuel Suburban. Not sure of the year of either vehicle.

 

Theoretically, the VVT makes a big difference. FlexFuel, meh; it should not unless you use E85. E85=more power, less MPG.

 

There are probably other differences between the two Suburbans I mentioned besides flex fuel. Best I can recall is that my sisters is a 2000 or 2001 and my nephews is a 2008 or 2009. I just know that his has the flex fuel badge on the rear.

 

There is a definite difference in throttle response between non-VVT and VVT equipped HHR's.

The VVT equipped HHR's have always seemed a bit laggy off the line to me, the power just seems to build slower and they don't build revs as fast.

On paper, the differences are minor, but based on "Butt Dyno" readings(which are purely subjective)...normally aspirated '07 and '08 models are "faster" feeling than the '06 and '09-'11 model years.

 

My 10 is quicker accelerating then my wife's 09.