H1 vs H2.... decisions..

[Kerr]

Hello everyone,

I just wanted to let your brains wonder for a little while.

Im currently looking at a 98 H-1, It does have its battle scars and custom tree pinstriping but what hummer doesent..

However a friend of the familys has a new H-2.

So the question is how do you decide..

I love the look of the H-1, love the sounds of the diesel, love everything about it except the price of a old car make them out of reach for many of us, and there is no warranty.

However After seening XXXX's H-2 on here with all the chrome blacked out and the 4" lift with black wheels, that totaly changes the "uppie", "Socker Mom" Look of the h-2, which around here is all that drive them.. ( i know my city sucks)

Just wondering what your thought are on a used H-1 vs A H-2. I mean they are about the same off road, To the point if your H-2 will not go and a H-1 will you probably dont need to be in there... the H-2 will win hands down on the road, then the cost of payments, Insurance, etc etc...

Its hard to decide.

I know someone besided me has run across this problem. So lets see some ideas and sugestions.

[ckhagman]

D-90. I owned 2 at different time though.

BTW don't let any Land Rover owner tell you guys that your trucks are not good of road. A stock H2 can go places a Stock D-90 would not. I have witnessed it first hand.

[Steve R]

Well....our Slitherfest event had only 5 H2's to about 15 H1's....but our Pismo event was pretty much an even mix of each:

9 H2's and 11 H1's (more if you include guides)

Here's what I've figured: Many buy a Hummer for image and fun alone....they have no interest in taking it offroad. Sure....they may try it once or twice, but that's about it. There are a precious few who are really interested in putting the vehicle through its capabilities.

As for the H1, there are those who bought it for offroading and they are very serious about taking every opportunity to get out and get dirty. Also...there are many older and more trashed H1's out there...and so people are inclined towards offroading. My H1er's are very passionate about getting outdoors and using their beast whenever possible.

As for the H2, most bought it for image and will very rarely take it offroading. However, a more prohibitive factor is that these fresh babies are brand new and people just aren't quite ready to get them scratched-up and dirty JUST YET. In time I feel quite confident we'll see plenty more making it to the offroad events.

I have very few newer H1's with us. When the H2's start getting older and not so prestine, I think we'll see more getting dirty.

The ironic thing is...we run trails and courses that don't bash, trash or thrash the vehicles....but people don't know that and assume the worst.

Another reason I have good turn-out: demographics.

[ckhagman]

When I sold my Land Rover it was right before the H2 came out. I wanted a Hummer for 10 years. I test drove the H2 just to say that I drove one. I likes it but it wasn't as comforatable as my Convertible. I am tall and slide right into my seat. The H2 on the other hand is higher and required me to step up. If I had to drive my Hummer everyday I would in a heart beat. No problems except for my trip back from the Windrock event but that was due to all of the mud on the cooling stack which could happen to either vehicle. If I could afford both an H2 and an H1 together I would consider doing it, but I would probably lean toward getting another H1. 1 for street and one to beat.

Test drive both and see for yourself. Afterall you are the deciding factor. Comfort is different for everyone.

Chris

[Steve R]

Chris..

The H1 IS being re-designed to some extent. I hear the windshield will actually have an angle to it and the dash will be re-done. They are planning to work with a Duramax diesel engine, stock electronic lockers,m improved traction control system and a few other innovations BORROWED from the H2.

You hear the H3 is on the test-track outperforming the H2?....did the toaster or the microwave tell ya that???

What is so often forgotten is that the H1 was not designed to be the ultimate offroad vehicle. It was intended to be a general planform for military use, hence the incredible versatility in its application: ambulence, missle launcher, water-tanker, mobile communications station, machine-gunner, etc!!

The fact is, they have been taken and hybrided as offroad vehicles that we are using today for offroading. The fact also is...the long wheelbase and width make them very precarious for real trail-blazing and getting around through tight-stuff and general trails. I've seen Jeeps walk throgh stuff that Hummers get hung-up on. Bottom line: define ultimate.

I just ran a trail today through windy mountains and tight turns with moderate terrain variations: I flew through it way faster then an H1 could. Fact is, unless I hit an obstacle that would preclude my getting over it, the H1 can't even come close to keeping up: I'm way quicker, faster and my suspension articulates WAY better thus allowing me more control. The weight and slownes of the H1, along with its limited articulation makes it a dog as compared to the H2 (on this track).

I suppose you could say the H2 was on the test track and performed beter then the H1 all around!

[HummerTeam]

Steve,

Sorry, my mistake...! However, no one on this forum makes any driver errors, or didn't you get the memo?

Travis

HummerTeam.com

[Kerr]

Hello everyone,

I just wanted to let your brains wonder for a little while.

Im currently looking at a 98 H-1, It does have its battle scars and custom tree pinstriping but what hummer doesent..

However a friend of the familys has a new H-2.

So the question is how do you decide..

I love the look of the H-1, love the sounds of the diesel, love everything about it except the price of a old car make them out of reach for many of us, and there is no warranty.

However After seening XXXX's H-2 on here with all the chrome blacked out and the 4" lift with black wheels, that totaly changes the "uppie", "Socker Mom" Look of the h-2, which around here is all that drive them.. ( i know my city sucks)

Just wondering what your thought are on a used H-1 vs A H-2. I mean they are about the same off road, To the point if your H-2 will not go and a H-1 will you probably dont need to be in there... the H-2 will win hands down on the road, then the cost of payments, Insurance, etc etc...

Its hard to decide.

I know someone besided me has run across this problem. So lets see some ideas and sugestions.

[Steve R]

Chris...

Don't even mention the "M" word...aside from Ric and a scattered few others....that term has no relevance on THIS forum. His rancidity would not be welcome here and his termination has been preemptively arranged.

I don't doubt the H3 is going to be a formiddable offroad vehicle...but it's still in developemnt. Beyond that...do you really think a bunch of H2 owners really want to hear about how another vehicle can out-do theirs? Play that tune elsewhere... And just remember one thing Hagman: WE ARE THE ORIGINAL IMMATATORS!!!!!

Offroading can mean more then 10-15 mph. At my deesrt-event we had about 5 H2's and 15 H1's. We had flawless runs of the H2's, H1's dragged; one got stuck and two continually had problems getting up hills! (yes, driver expereince and TT4 issues).

Today at a Hummer Happening we found the H1's cumbersome to manuever around the course and they tended to slide-off the side-slopes moreso then the H2's.

As I see it, unless the clearance becomes an issue the H2 is right there next to the H1....and there really isn't a huge margin of difference, the window is smaller then you think.

If the driver is a beginner or intermediate....they'll almost always do better in an H2; only a very expereinced driver can make the H1 shine. The H2's oustanding traction control system, rear locker, suspension and power have numerous advantages over the H1.


And as we both know...it's almost always the driver who makes the difference.

[ticket2ride]

Chris...

One assumption we can safelt make about H1 owners is that they're either loaded, or dedicated, or both.

On this board, most of the H2 owners seem quite personable.

However, I must say, on the road, most H2 drivers I've seen are total jackasses. I usually see them speeding, hanging in the fast lane, not using signals, and cutting people off. This is the ultimate in stupidity in a vehicle this bad at turning & stopping.

On the contrary, most H1 owners I've seen on the road were at least good, safe drivers.

I would guess that I would dislike most H2 drivers and like most H1 drivers. But it's important to judge each individual on his/her own merits. I would venture to say I'm an atypical H2 owner in many respects.

[Kerr]

H2Norcal,

what’s your point? You want to bust my balls over some spelling.. damn next time ill proof read to make sure my fingers typed out what I wanted them to.

If you don’t like what I typed don’t read it.

[ticket2ride]

I've had an H2 since September 02. I wanted a Hummer forever. I expected to hate the H2, but when I drove it I was amazed, and ordered one.

Now, I see /lots/ of H2s on the road. Today I was on the highway and two others were driving right next to me, both of theirs were brand new -- temporary plates. I really wish I had the only H2 around. I want to be a special, unique snowflake.. Just kidding!

But... I've joined both the HML and H2ML and you should see all the problems with the H1! It's a miracle our military is successful with those things. Half shafts, transfer cases, 8th cylinders, leaks, cracks, you name the part it's got problems. But then, the military has unlimited parts and indentured mechanics...

H1 pros: /exclusivity/, even more insane off-road ability, it's BAD ASS
H1 cons: piss-poor reliability, huge expense for every little problem, noise, slow, no air bags, welcom to 1980s tech, did i mention really bad reliability?

H2 pros: fit/finish, insane off-road ability, very good on road ability, luxury, excellent reliability
H2 cons: everyone's got one including lots of soccer moms, won't look as good all scratched up as the H1, tie rods seem to be the only weak part -- and that's ok cause it probably just saves more expensive parts from breaking.

I wish there were a Hummer that is both exclusive and reliable. Until then, I've got the better option for me -- the H2.

[Buckeye Hummer]

Gosh, it's hard to say. Ok, how about the H3. If you add an H1 to the H2 that's what you get right?

[DiscoDancingRover]

What kind of Land Rover did you own?

"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind"

[H2Norcal]

Kerr, I am not sure what what spawned your post or visit but I must say I am a little suspicious of your writing (wonder,doesent,seening,totaly,Socker Mom,besided,sugestions).

How old are you and what is your really purpose for this thread?

[ckhagman]

Driver is always the difference.

Here's an important question for you. How do you get so many owners in your area so go off-roading. I drove 10 hours to an event and do you know how many h2 owners came. I would say about 3-4. One was from Teaka Toys. Great truck by the way and the rest of the trucks were owned by GM.

[Steve R]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by HummerTeam:
The 98 is out of warranty, and is bound to have some issues, so keep the cost of ongoing maintenance in mind.HummerTeam.com<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

WRONG!!!! It has been well established and completely documented that the H1 is flawless and has absolutely NO MECHANIC ISSUES to speak of. Reliability is 100% and they are bullet-proof perfect!!!!

All mechanical incidents & issues are entirely the result of driver error!!!

My only meaningful input is this: if you plan to offroad it....NEVER own these vehicles outside a warranty, especially a particular one that is VERY prone to driver error!

[H2Norcal]

Sorry Kerr, but you caught me at point where I have reached the end with some of the stupid topics that get posted on this site. Old timers disease I guess.

[ckhagman]

Slanted windshield. Yes I heard that too. Not happening. Against military specs so that is not happening.

Talked to a AM General test track workers about the H3. He said it did incredible.

Speed is not what off roading is about. It is the last thing you have to worry about. If you are going more than 10-15 miles another the majority of the time then you are going to fast.

Where's meat.

[ckhagman]

Go ahead Steve R. I am just trying to figure out how an H2 exclusive forum works is all. I like to see how other H2 owners (besides you Ric, etc.) feel about H1 owners.

[ckhagman]

True the military might decide to use another truck in the future. They did so with the Jeep. Of course it took them a number of years but they still did it.

H1 reliablity? People don't talk about how much fun they are having they ask questions on how to make there truck better for them. That is what forums are for.

Remember GM tried to market the H2 for military. You know what they decided, not cost effective.

GM can not and will not redesign the H1 for the military for 1 reason and 1 reason only. It is not their truck, never was and can not make changes to its overall design.

If someone tries to compete with AM General on the military contracts, what do you think will happen. AM General will beat them on price. Ira Rennert bought AM General for $20 million in 1992 and its value today is $1 billion.

And since AM General made the military Jeep for the military they do have a long standing relationship with each other.

On last thing. I heard the H3 was at the test track and performed better than the H2 all around.