Nuts and Bolts The Chrysler PT Cruiser GT’s high-pressure turbocharged engine crushes the Chevy HHR’s most powerful motor, delivering 220 horses and 245 lb.-ft. of torque compared to 172 ponies and 162 lb.-ft. of twist.

Falling just shy, in terms of output, of the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine in the base Chrysler PT Cruiser, the 2006 Chevrolet HHR’s standard 2.2-liter engine makes 143 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 150 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm, compared to the Chrysler’s yield of 150 horsepower and 165 lb.-ft. of torque. The Chevy’s deficiency grows when comparing top powerplants. Despite sophisticated engineering like variable valve timing, individual coils at each spark plug, and auxiliary oil cooling, the HHR’s 2.4-liter unit lacks output because of its natural aspiration. This engine’s 172 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 162 lb.-ft. of torque at 5,000 rpm comes up short of the Chrysler’s 180-horsepower, 210 lb.-ft., 2.4-liter low-pressure turbocharged motor. Furthermore, the PT Cruiser GT’s high-pressure turbocharged engine crushes the HHR, delivering 220 horses and 245 lb.-ft. of torque. But in fairness to the HHR, the PT Cruiser GT’s base price is nearly $24,000.

Both vehicles employ standard five-speed manual and optional four-speed automatic transmissions to drive the front wheels. And with similar curb weights, the lack of power can certainly be considered a huge performance handicap for the HHR.

The Chevy HHR LS’s touring suspension has been optimized for comfort in everyday driving situations, while the sport setup on 2LT models improves handling thanks to aluminum front control arms, variable-rate rear springs, and gas-charged monotube shocks. Optional antilock brakes (standard on the 2LT) are integrated with a traction control system, which can be disengaged by the driver, but a stability control system is not offered on the HHR. Electric speed-sensitive, rack-and-pinion steering guides the 2006 Chevrolet HHR to its destination.