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H1 vs H2 Hummer: A Head-to-Head Comparison

H1 vs H2 Hummer
Last Updated on Aug 16, 2023 By Lillian Kazmierczak

We live in a world of hybrid cars and extreme gas prices, and the Hummer is a powerful vehicle not wanted by the average person.

The Hummer is a great buy, but you need to think about various things like the model, why you need it, and the maintenance level it will require. Many off-road enthusiasts clammer for this type of car.

Making an informed decision is the key. So, let’s begin by comparing the H1 vs H2 Hummer.

Pros and cons of H1 Hummer

Pros:

  • Wonderful offroad capabilities
  • Versatile
  • Reliable model
  • Tough and durable
  • High resale profit

Cons:

  • Poor street performance (meant for more challenging terrain)
  • Limited passenger room for such a big vehicle
  • High cost to buy

Pros and cons of H2 Hummer

Pros:

  • Big and comfortable
  • Safe and dependable
  • Uniquely stylized
  • Fantastic off-road capabilities
  • Hearty V8 engine

Cons:

  • A hassle to park because of its size
  • It can be expensive to purchase
  • Mediocre outward visibility
  • Terrible fuel economy
  • Cargo room is limited

H1 vs H2 Hummer: Head-To-Head Comparison

1. Civilian vs military

H1

This is a civilian version of the military vehicle (Humvee). It has a lot of the same parts built into it as the military one. It is a big, strong, and sturdy vehicle, but it’s not practical for civilian life.

H2

This is a civilian SUV from General Motors. It has the same drivetrain and frame as the Chevrolet Tahoe.

Winner

It depends on what you need the Hummer for. If you are looking for a large and dependable vehicle that is great for off-roading, the H1 takes this category.

2. Width, length, and height

H1

The H1 is 185.6 inches in length, 86.5 inches in width, and 77 inches in height.

H2

The H2 is a bit longer than its predecessor. It measures 203.6 inches in length, 81.2 inches in width, and 77.8 inches in height.

Winner

The winner will depend on how large you want your Hummer to be. If it’s the “bigger the better,” the wider H1 will win. If you want a more extended but more scaled-down model, the H2 takes it.

3. Vehicle weight

H1

This burly model, both the H1 and H1 Alpha, are the heaviest Hummers. They can weigh anywhere from 7000 to over 8000 pounds.

H2

The H2 weighs over 6000 pounds. The exact amount will depend on what year the vehicle was built.

Winner

If you want a lighter and less cumbersome Hummer, the H2 is the best option.

4. Platform

H1

The H1 is the only vehicle to be an authentic military Hummer.

H2

The H2 was built on the General Motors 2500 (or ¾ ton) truck platform.

Winner

Your preference for the framing or platform will depend on what you want and need in the vehicle.

5. Ground clearance

H1

The ground clearance for the H1 Hummer is 16 inches.

H2

The H2 only has 9.7 inches of ground clearance.

Winner

The winner is the H1 because it has more ground clearance. Unlike the H2, it will rarely get stuck on an off-road trail.

6. Engine

H1

Looking under the hood of the H1 reveals it’s a monster of a vehicle. It has an 8-cylinder turbo diesel with 300 horsepower capabilities and 520-pound force foot of torque through 6.6 liters of displacement. This vehicle is great for climbing up hills and getting out of challenging situations.

H2

This model runs off gasoline. It can power through a dirt road but can maneuver better in the city. Looking at the 2009 H2 model of Hummer, you will see that it has a 6.2-liter gas engine. It will also run on E85 Ethanol. It has an output of 393 horsepower with 425-pound force foot of torque.

Winner

The H1 engine is the beefier of the two. It wins this round.

7. Transmission

H1

The Hummer H1 brings a 5-speed automatic with a 2.56:1 final drive ratio.

H2

The H2 features more horsepower, but its final drive ratio is 3.73:1.

Winner

The H1 wins the day with serious rock climbing and off-road abilities.

8. Acceleration

H1

The H1 acceleration is about 0–100 kilometers per hour.

H2

The H2 acceleration will depend on some factors like: model year, fuel type, body type, and power. It can go from 0-100 kilometers per hour on average, though.

Winner

In this instance, it’s a draw.

9. Handling

H1

Driving an H1 Hummer might take some time to get used to it, especially if you are trying to weave in and out of city traffic. Despite its large size, it has a small turning radius. Entering a garage or parking space might be tricky, though.

H2

Despite its weight and size, handling is decent on the H2, although the day-to-day drive might be challenging.

Winner

The H2 edges out the H1 in this race.

10. Climbing angle

H1

This model Hummer has a wide track. It can navigate through 30 inches of water and climb over a 22-inch step. The approach angle is 72 degrees, and the departure angle is 37.5 degrees.

H2

The approach angle for the H2 is 40.8 degrees, and the departure angle is 39.5 degrees. It can cross through 30 inches of water while going at 5 miles per hour and 20 inches of water while going 20 miles per hour.

Winner

If you want to tackle tricky situations, the H1 wins this category.

11. Interior Features

H1

The H1 Alpha can be described as a 4-passenger SUV with many wonderful features. They include keyless entry, performance windows, leather seats, climate and cruise control, and a 6-cd stereo system. You can also control the pressure in your tires from the vehicle’s interior.

H2

The standard H2 model has heated leather seats, remote motor start, Bluetooth capabilities, automatic conditioning, optional back conditioning, etc. The H2 Adventure package includes:

  • All the traditional equipment plus more off-road features like self-leveling air suspension in the back.
  • A first aid kit
  • Toolkit
  • Portable lamp

The H2 Luxury package is about opulence versus utility. It has surround sound, third-row seats, a real-time traffic navigator, a DVD system, a rear-view camera, and other variants you can include.

Winner

It will depend on your wants and needs, but the H2 looks very good in this category.

12. Appearance

H1

The H1 Hummer has a timeless, military feel to it because, essentially, that’s what it is. It was based on the Humvee, designed by AM General, a subsidiary of American Motors, and released to the public in 1992.

There are 3 notable styles: a 4-door hardtop sport utility truck, a soft-top convertible, and an Alpha Wagon body. Other variants include a 4-door slant back (same style as the military Humvee) and a 2-door pickup truck.

H2

Many people say they view the H2 as a watered-down. military appearance to it. Others say it looks like a Jeep with its chrome grille. There are 2 different types: The H2 SUT and the H2 SUV. AM General built them from 2002 to 2009.

Winner

The winner all depends on your taste. If you want a military-looking vehicle, the H1 is the one you want. If you want a more stylized car, the H2 takes the prize.

13. Longevity

H1

This vehicle has been known to last over 100 000 miles with no huge issues. People report that the most typical problem with the H1 Hummer is the HVAC system or cracks in the engine blocks, but they are built to last if you take proper care of your H1.

H2

Some owners have said that their H2 Hummers are still kicking past 186, 000 miles and staying strong. The internal components of this vehicle seem to last a while without being replaced or repaired very often.

Winner

The H2 is the clear winner. The H2 will perform well and have a long life with consistent maintenance.

14. Fuel economy

H1

On average, the H1 gets 10 miles per gallon. There isn’t a significant difference between diesel and gas H1 Hummers. The H1 Hummers that run on gasoline have smaller gas tanks resulting in a lower range.

H2

Typically, the H2 gets 9.2 to 12 miles per gallon. The compact design of this vehicle doesn’t impact the gas mileage very much.

Winner

There isn’t much difference between the H1 and H2 models in this category. The H2 edges ahead slightly. Overall, if you are looking for a vehicle that doesn’t use a lot of fuel, the Hummer isn’t right for you.

H1 vs H2 Hummer: Which one is best for you?

If you don’t care about the fuel economy, whatever model Hummer you choose, it’s sure to be a head-turner on the road.

If you want a beast of a vehicle that tackles off-roading spectacularly, choose the H1 type. On the other hand, if you prefer to drive in the city and sometimes drive on trails, the H2 is the best option for you.

About the author

Lillian Kazmierczak

As far as I can remember, I would say I have been a car nut for my whole life. My father was a car dealer who used to change and repair his cars himself. This gave me the opportunity to get around all sorts of cars and get my hands dirty repairing vehicles from an early age.

A great fan of Japanese quality and German preciosity, my deep passion lies in older models that I believe have a flair that takes me back to my childhood! I also love their extraordinary durability and reliability when compared to today’s modern models.

When not out taking a ride, I enjoy socializing with fellow motorheads online and consuming any car facts and figures I can get my mind on!

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