Car & Driver comparison
01-06-2006, 07:29 PM
#1
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Join Date: 10-14-2005
Location: Rochester,N.Y.
Posts: 9,121
Car & Driver comparison
I just got the new Car & Driver in the mail today. In the February 2006 issue they ran a comparison test called rebellious boxes. In the article they compared a Chevy HHR 1LT, Chrysler PT Cruiser GT, Honda Element EX-P, and Scion xB. The HHR came out third but they didn't trash it and they admit that the comparison was kind of unfair. They normaly try to match even cars but they had to go with what was available. The PT and Element were automatics while the HHR and xB were 5-speeds. The only PT they could get their hands on was the turbo charged GT. At least we beat the Element! 
The results were:
1st place - Scion xB
2nd place - Chrysler PT Cruiser GT
3rd place - Chevy HHR 1LT
4th place - Honda Element EX-P
It's well worth picking up and reading.
The results were:1st place - Scion xB
2nd place - Chrysler PT Cruiser GT
3rd place - Chevy HHR 1LT
4th place - Honda Element EX-P
It's well worth picking up and reading.
Scion xB ......come - on! 
01-06-2006, 09:40 PM
#5
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Join Date: 10-14-2005
Location: Rochester,N.Y.
Posts: 9,121
We won in the following aspects:
The HHR had the largest gas tank (16.2 gallons)
They could fit the longest lenght of pipe in the HHR (126.5 inches)
The HHR had the highest top speed (126 MPH)
The HHR tied with the Element for lowest sound level at 70 MPH (69 dBA)
The HHR tied the PT for braking 70-0 (183 feet)
The HHR tied the PT for roadholding on a 300 foot skidpad (0.84 g)
Their statements about the HHR are:
Highs - A smooth rider, splendid sofa for two in the back, pleasingly plump shapes inside.
Lows - Stupid location for window switches, shifter has an argument for ever move of the lever, loosey-goosey ride motions.
The Verdict - The Me-Too Cruiser.
I have to ask myself what the hell type of real man and car reviewer uses loosey-goosey?
You should at least pick it up for a laugh! 
It's got a write up on the Challenger concept that they swear is going to make production. Man is that car HOT! 
The HHR had the largest gas tank (16.2 gallons)
They could fit the longest lenght of pipe in the HHR (126.5 inches)
The HHR had the highest top speed (126 MPH)
The HHR tied with the Element for lowest sound level at 70 MPH (69 dBA)
The HHR tied the PT for braking 70-0 (183 feet)
The HHR tied the PT for roadholding on a 300 foot skidpad (0.84 g)
Their statements about the HHR are:
Highs - A smooth rider, splendid sofa for two in the back, pleasingly plump shapes inside.
Lows - Stupid location for window switches, shifter has an argument for ever move of the lever, loosey-goosey ride motions.
The Verdict - The Me-Too Cruiser.
I have to ask myself what the hell type of real man and car reviewer uses loosey-goosey?
You should at least pick it up for a laugh! It's got a write up on the Challenger concept that they swear is going to make production. Man is that car HOT!
01-06-2006, 10:21 PM
#8
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Join Date: 10-14-2005
Location: Rochester,N.Y.
Posts: 9,121
It means our governor lets us go faster. While ours doesn't let you go past 126 the PT GT doesn't let you go past 119. The PT GT was way quicker.
Side by side PT GT vs. HHR 1LT with 2.4:
HHR 1LT
0-60 mph : 8.0 seconds
0-90 mph : 17.4 seconds
1/4 mile : 16.1 @ 87 mph
Rolling 5-60 mph : 8.9 seconds
Top speed : 126 mph
PT GT
0-60 mph : 6.8 seconds
0-90 mph : 14.6 seconds
1/4 mile : 15.4 @ 92 mph
Rolling 5-60 mph : 7.0 seconds
Top speed : 119 mph
The funny part is the winner had the worst results:
Scion xB
0-60 mph : 9.6 seconds
0-90 mph : 24.5 seconds
1/4 mile : 17.3 @ 79 mph
rolling 5-60 mph : 10.4 seconds
Top speed : 111 mph
No wonder I kicked that Scion xB's a**!
Side by side PT GT vs. HHR 1LT with 2.4:
HHR 1LT
0-60 mph : 8.0 seconds
0-90 mph : 17.4 seconds
1/4 mile : 16.1 @ 87 mph
Rolling 5-60 mph : 8.9 seconds
Top speed : 126 mph
PT GT
0-60 mph : 6.8 seconds
0-90 mph : 14.6 seconds
1/4 mile : 15.4 @ 92 mph
Rolling 5-60 mph : 7.0 seconds
Top speed : 119 mph
The funny part is the winner had the worst results:
Scion xB
0-60 mph : 9.6 seconds
0-90 mph : 24.5 seconds
1/4 mile : 17.3 @ 79 mph
rolling 5-60 mph : 10.4 seconds
Top speed : 111 mph
No wonder I kicked that Scion xB's a**!
01-06-2006, 11:56 PM
#9
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Join Date: 11-25-2005
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 25
Most of the negative comments about the HHR had to do with handling. If they had a 2LT with the sport suspension, it probably would've placed better. They admitted in the introduction that they didn't succeed at getting similar vehicles, makes me wonder who from Chevy gave them a 1LT?
In all fairness to C&D, speed results do not make a vehicle. There is way to much emphasis on 0 to 60 and horsepower ratings. In this market segment, utility, ride, fit and finish and fuel economy are probably the biggest measurements. I know I personally keep the DIC set on the Fuel Economy rating and drive like an old fart. It's not a sports car, it never will be one, so why pretend?
In all fairness to C&D, speed results do not make a vehicle. There is way to much emphasis on 0 to 60 and horsepower ratings. In this market segment, utility, ride, fit and finish and fuel economy are probably the biggest measurements. I know I personally keep the DIC set on the Fuel Economy rating and drive like an old fart. It's not a sports car, it never will be one, so why pretend?
