Dodge SRT-4: This homebred pocket rocket is not your daughter's Neon

[MercenaryForHire]

Originally posted by: jntdesign
Those things are made here in my town - I've seen a few already, all driven by punk kids.
All wanting to race.
It may be faster than my WRX (for now) - but it's still a fwd neon.

Where's that? I've got a hungry 88 RX-7 that needs some tasty punks to snack on.

- M4H

 

[geno]

Hehe. I'd take an WRX over an SRT-4 for sure. I like the whole package...not a rental car on steroids.

Leaving out interior (which is definitely not even close to being the WRX's strong point or advantage), what makes a WRX so much more complete than the SRT4, SVT Focus, Mazdaspeed Protege? Nothing, they're all juiced econocars

 

[Triumph]

Originally posted by: geno

Originally posted by: Triumph

Originally posted by: geno
Hate on it all you want, Dodge just upped the ante to anyone selling a performance car for under 20k. Show me another new car stock that'll put 240HP to the wheels for under even 25K

I admit that I can't. But I would still never buy one. For a new car, I'd be shopping for the entire package, and the SRT-4 doesn't have anything for me besides the speed. Nothing. If I wanted something JUST for speed (which is all the Neon does well as far as I'm concerned), I'd buy a used RWD something-or-other and tune it. Like a 240sx, Camaro, or Mustang.

OK, one one hand we have you - and on the other hand we have the large, and growing, market for cheap FWD performance cars, hmm, I wonder why this car is important?

EDIT - sorry for the triple posts in a row

Meh, I don't like the people in their target audience anyway.

I admit that I do have a FWD car that will be pushing 200 hp soon. But that's as far as I'd want to go with it. And I don't have torque steer problems due to equal length drive shafts, longitudinal engine, and quad link front suspension.

 

[BDawg]

Originally posted by: Purgatory-Z
The people who buy this car aren't the people who care what there car looks like

That's obvious after seeing the wings on ricers. Then again, how much actual function do those wings have?

 

[NFS4]

Originally posted by: AMCRambler
I for one like it. Sure it's no looker, but package that much power in a small car and it's got to be fun to drive. The handling is probably sweet too. One thing about those big american rwd cars, they may have power, but they can't corner worth spit.

In the latest Motor Trend, the 170HP MazdaSpeed Protege beat it around the track. The only reason why the SRT-4 beat the SVT Focus was b/c of it's brute force power.

But it just goes to show you that an finely balanced chassis can overcome a lack of power (or a wealth of power in a competitor).

 

[geno]

What kind of car is that Triumph? I admit, I really want RWD for my next car (mebbe a 240SX, we'll see, I'm hoping) - but FWD can still be fun as hell, and beating up on RWD cars with it can be even more fun. And on top of that, my car is cheap to work on - I'd stick with turbo Dodges forever if they had just made a RWD car with the same motors...

 

Rockford IL, the neons are made in Belvidere...which is basically a burb of rockford.
I haven't raced a neon in town..only on the highway - and i didn't get completely blown away, seemed like he pulled away for only a second or two and then the distance between us stayed the same.

I think once i chip my car it will turn the tables.

 

[BDawg]

Originally posted by: geno
What kind of car is that Triumph? I admit, I really want RWD for my next car (mebbe a 240SX, we'll see, I'm hoping) - but FWD can still be fun as hell, and beating up on RWD cars with it can be even more fun. And on top of that, my car is cheap to work on - I'd stick with turbo Dodges forever if they had just made a RWD car with the same motors...

SAABs are FWD and pushing 200 + horsepower and more torque than that.

 

[geno]

Originally posted by: NFS4

Originally posted by: AMCRambler
I for one like it. Sure it's no looker, but package that much power in a small car and it's got to be fun to drive. The handling is probably sweet too. One thing about those big american rwd cars, they may have power, but they can't corner worth spit.

In the latest Motor Trend, the 170HP MazdaSpeed Protege beat it around the track. The only reason why the SRT-4 beat the SVT Focus was b/c of it's brute force power.

But it just goes to show you that an finely balanced chassis can overcome a lack of power (or a wealth of power in a competitor).

Ehh, I'm kinda leary about that test - if that result follows a trend then I'll bite.

SAABs are FWD and pushing 200 + horsepower and more torque than that.

So isn't my car

 

[Triumph]

Originally posted by: geno

Hehe. I'd take an WRX over an SRT-4 for sure. I like the whole package...not a rental car on steroids.

Leaving out interior (which is definitely not even close to being the WRX's strong point or advantage), what makes a WRX so much more complete than the SRT4, SVT Focus, Mazdaspeed Protege? Nothing, they're all juiced econocars

I like the WRX interior MUCH better than the Neon, but that is subjective.

The WRX has an awesome, true AWD system for snowy seasons. The wagon is very practical, as are all wagons. And the WRX has a much more balanced and neutral handling. You can oversteer with the throttle with a WRX. Try doing that with a FWD car!

My car is a Passat. Saabs have lots of horsepower, and if you like torque steer, they're the way to go!

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Originally posted by: BDawg

Originally posted by: Purgatory-Z
The people who buy this car aren't the people who care what there car looks like

That's obvious after seeing the wings on ricers. Then again, how much actual function do those wings have?

Lots. They help increase wheelspin on FWD cars by adding backweight. Wheelspin adds bHP, don't you know?

And man, do they make your car fly. I swear, even though a dragrace would be over before you even hit the ~70mph required to get any gain out of a spoiler, adding that triple-decker whaletail to my Sunfire really helped! And next week I'm getting NAWZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!

</ricer>

- M4H

 

[SSP]

Originally posted by: geno

Originally posted by: NFS4

Originally posted by: AMCRambler
I for one like it. Sure it's no looker, but package that much power in a small car and it's got to be fun to drive. The handling is probably sweet too. One thing about those big american rwd cars, they may have power, but they can't corner worth spit.

In the latest Motor Trend, the 170HP MazdaSpeed Protege beat it around the track. The only reason why the SRT-4 beat the SVT Focus was b/c of it's brute force power.

But it just goes to show you that an finely balanced chassis can overcome a lack of power (or a wealth of power in a competitor).

Ehh, I'm kinda leary about that test - if that result follows a trend then I'll bite.

SAABs are FWD and pushing 200 + horsepower and more torque than that.

So isn't my car

Damn, is that the original paint job?

 

the WRX handles like it's on rails - the srt4 would be left far behind in a road race

 

[NFS4]

Ehh, I'm kinda leary about that test - if that result follows a trend then I'll bite.

Since when did having a lot of power make a car the perfect track machine? Sure, it may help at the drag strip, but in a FWD chassis you end up fighting more than finessing around the curves.

It's also the reason why a "weak" Miata will r@pe more powerful cars on the track.

 

[imprezawrxwagon]

Originally posted by: geno

It may be faster than my WRX (for now)

And cheaper! That's all that really matters - faster and cheaper I admit I like a nice interior, but I can forfeit that for 20k and 260+ HP

so, no, - Neon still blows

maybe you hit "post" too early, I'll finish that up for ya

so, no, - Neon still blows WRX's away for much less money.

"Unfortunately, we weren?t two days into a one-week test when the check-engine light flickered and we sent this little bullet back to Dodge, flagging the biggest concern readers have with the car: durability. The problem was a disconnected throttle sensor cable. "

"A limited-slip differential doesn?t come standard"

and so on ...

Neon s@ks a@@

 

[geno]

Huh? A disconnected throttle cable/sensor is a reliability issue? Doubt it. And name me another car under 20k besides the Sentra Spec V that comes with an LSD

 

but I can forfeit that for 20k and 260+ HP

good one, cept the srt is only 215hp

 

[imprezawrxwagon]

Originally posted by: geno
Huh? A disconnected throttle cable/sensor is a reliability issue? Doubt it. And name me another car besides the Sentra Spec V that comes with an LSD

OK, ok

You are absolutely right

Neon is legendary for its high quality, higly reliable cars, which a finely designed and crafted

And WRX is nothing but an import POS

also, Neon surely beats WRX in the twisties

Neon is all around better car

no doubt

sorry, I was so dumb and rude to ever question Neon's superiority

 

[geno]

Originally posted by: NFS4

Ehh, I'm kinda leary about that test - if that result follows a trend then I'll bite.

Since when did having a lot of power make a car the perfect track machine? Sure, it may help at the drag strip, but in a FWD chassis you end up fighting more than finessing around the curves.

It's also the reason why a "weak" Miata will r@pe more powerful cars on the track.

Yeah but this is a comparo between two FWD turbo cars, and I find it hard to believe that a Protege can make up in the corners for what it lacks in the straightaways against the SRT.

 

[geno]

Originally posted by: imprezawrxwagon

Originally posted by: geno
Huh? A disconnected throttle cable/sensor is a reliability issue? Doubt it. And name me another car besides the Sentra Spec V that comes with an LSD

OK, ok

You are absolutely right

Neon is legendary for its high quality, higly reliable cars, which a finely designed and crafted

And WRX is nothing but an import POS

also, Neon surely beats WRX in the twisties

Neon is all around better car

no doubt

sorry, I was so dumb and rude to ever question Neon's superiority

Oh drop the act

That's not even what I'm talking about. I called you out on the reliability issue, which no SRT has shown to be an issue yet, and you said it sucked for not coming with an LSD

 

[NFS4]

Originally posted by: geno

Originally posted by: NFS4

Ehh, I'm kinda leary about that test - if that result follows a trend then I'll bite.

Since when did having a lot of power make a car the perfect track machine? Sure, it may help at the drag strip, but in a FWD chassis you end up fighting more than finessing around the curves.

It's also the reason why a "weak" Miata will r@pe more powerful cars on the track.

Yeah but this is a comparo between two FWD turbo cars, and I find it hard to believe that a Protege can make up in the corners for what it lacks in the straightaways against the SRT.

Then your obvious MOPAR clouded head has no knowledge of Mazda chassis dynamics. You ever driven a Protege or a Mazda 6??

 

[geno]

Originally posted by: NFS4

Originally posted by: geno

Originally posted by: NFS4

Ehh, I'm kinda leary about that test - if that result follows a trend then I'll bite.

Since when did having a lot of power make a car the perfect track machine? Sure, it may help at the drag strip, but in a FWD chassis you end up fighting more than finessing around the curves.

It's also the reason why a "weak" Miata will r@pe more powerful cars on the track.

Yeah but this is a comparo between two FWD turbo cars, and I find it hard to believe that a Protege can make up in the corners for what it lacks in the straightaways against the SRT.

Then your obvious MOPAR clouded head has no knowledge of Mazda chassis dynamics. You ever driven a Protege or a Mazda 6??

No, have you? And it's not MOPAR coulded head, it's horsepower clouded my friend. This could be a 260HP Civic Si for all I care

 

[WinkOsmosis]

Originally posted by: geno

It may be faster than my WRX (for now)

And cheaper! That's all that really matters - faster and cheaper I admit I like a nice interior, but I can forfeit that for 20k and 260+ HP

so, no, - Neon still blows

maybe you hit "post" too early, I'll finish that up for ya

so, no, - Neon still blows WRX's away for much less money.

You may forget that it's FWD, but I won't, sucker!

 

[NFS4]

Originally posted by: geno

Originally posted by: NFS4

Originally posted by: geno

Originally posted by: NFS4

Ehh, I'm kinda leary about that test - if that result follows a trend then I'll bite.

Since when did having a lot of power make a car the perfect track machine? Sure, it may help at the drag strip, but in a FWD chassis you end up fighting more than finessing around the curves.

It's also the reason why a "weak" Miata will r@pe more powerful cars on the track.

Yeah but this is a comparo between two FWD turbo cars, and I find it hard to believe that a Protege can make up in the corners for what it lacks in the straightaways against the SRT.

Then your obvious MOPAR clouded head has no knowledge of Mazda chassis dynamics. You ever driven a Protege or a Mazda 6??

No, have you? And it's not MOPAR coulded head, it's horsepower clouded my friend. This could be a 260HP Civic Si for all I care

Yes, I have driven both...but not an SRT-4. The point is, a finely balanced chassis (and low weight) can do quite a bit on the track. A Lotus Elise has less power than even the Protege and it would r@pe both the Protege and the SRT-4 on the track.

 

NFS4 is right, he knows his shizzle

My old van had a 454, believe it or not, it hauled some ass.
Of course, i didn't brag because i couldn't corner for shiznit.