Whether it’s the styling or the dimensions, the 2006 Chevrolet HHR and 2005 Chrysler end up looking pretty darn similar. Cruising by at 80 mph on the highway, it will be near impossible to tell the difference, but reaching 80 mph will likely serve as a clear distinction.

Less distinctive are the prices of the base models, which run about even when comparably equipped. The base HHR, for example, comes standard with air conditioning, whereas a/c is a $1,000 option on the base PT. However, the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser is offered with generous rebates, while the Chevy HHR will likely go on sale sans incentives, at least for a short period. Of course, given that the HHR is largely an updated PT Cruiser with less available power, the wait for incentives may not be a long one.

The differences, subtle as some of them may be, are real and number just enough to set these two cars apart. PT Cruiser shoppers looking for a more aggressive appearance will like the 2006 Chevrolet HHR; in turn, those interested in the HHR may be swayed by the Chrysler’s turbo power. But, with Consumer Reports naming the Chrysler PT Cruiser as one of the few domestic products on its recommended used cars list for its excellent reliability record, it seems Chevrolet had better insure that the HHR is flawlessly engineered and assembled.

In the end, however, only so much can be told about a car without the all-important test drive. We’ve got our impressions of the PT Cruiser, and will be keeping those in mind when we get behind the wheel of the new Chevy HHR later this year. Maybe that time behind the wheel will finally answer why Chevrolet decided to launch such an obvious replica of a proven competitor into a saturated niche market. Better yet, maybe some time in the HHR will tell us why someone should contemplate skipping the venerable veteran and take a risk on the green newbie.