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Sedans Dodge/Plymouth Neon Dodge Neon SRT-4
522 messages, Last post on Oct 07, 2009 at 11:06 AM
You are in the Dodge/Plymouth Neon Forum. Your Hosts are pat & karens
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When I heard that figure, I thought it sounded a bit optimistic. I'd be more inclined to believe mid to high 6's.. but who knows? Time will tell. |
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There's a controversial analysis about the SRT-4 from the site http://autozine.kyul.net/0_News/Latest/Current/News_frame.htm :
"That is all for what Chrysler press kit told me. What it did not say is how to handle the tremendous torque in the front-wheel-drive chassis. The Neon and even R/T were never renowned for handling, now putting far more power to the front wheels without the help of any limited slip differential and traction control (yes, the press release did not mention) will surely make it one of the worst hot rods to drive. Expect torque steer, wheelspin, understeer and scary moments ...
"So, go for the SVT Focus instead. European guys are more lucky, as the Focus RS will debut later this year. With 15 more horsepower and 1 lbft more torque than the Neon ... What do you think ? |
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| An econo car with 200 hp is - still an economy car, only faster, more dangerous, and uncomfortably loud and stiff. You still get the questionable build quality and fit n finish. There are so many affordable cars to choose from that already come with a natural 200 hp, or close to it, that would be a much smarter buy to anyone except the drag racer. The Turbo is an extra maintanence expense which will need replacing eventually and wear the engine quicker. | |
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I don't think current turbos are the bane of the enthusiasts wallet that their predecessors were. This application only follows what "tuners" have been doing for some time already. If that package were in the current PT, the press would be going freaking nuts! Can't agree with his handling observations on past iterations. While not stellar, handling was certainly better than mid-pack for mid-level econoboxes. A tire change was enough to raise it several notches on the scale, too, since Chrysler put such pitiable rubber on as original equipment. Can agree though with the sentiment that unless there is some enhanced control, torque steer and understeer are unavoidable, I would think. SVT Focus would be an admirable alternative, though not quite as attractive to my mind. |
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"The Neon and even R/T were never renowned for handling" Hmm, better tell the folks with Neon ACRs (American Club Racer) that their cars aren't renowned for handling. The Neon, especially in first gen guise, was and is one of the best auto-x cars out there, and fine for track racing as well. Just be careful with those front wheel bearing and slicks, tehe. The SRT-4 will have equal length driveshafts, which will ease the amount of torque steer problems. Hmm, if the turbo does go at 80K, replace it with a better one for $600. Big deal. freddy_k, what other new sporty car comes with 200HP or more for 20K or less? -B |
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autocross is a joke...real roads dont look like thoes carzy mall parking lot courses...want to beat every one in an autocross? get a high powered gokart and it will kick everyones ass. |
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this car is built for the Neon's image... nothing else. I'd rather buy a WRX at a higher price. Both of those cars are "homely" looking. same??? beanboy "Dodge Neon SRT-4" Jan 4, 2002 7:38am |
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Don't know why we're talking about it in here, since it's a sedan, but, hey, lose the oversized trunk-handle and the hood decoration, and I like it! cyranno: Subaru styling is definitely an acquired taste! I haven't acquired it. 
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| not surprised .... the local dealer is advertising that there are a few WRX still on the lot... so buy one and modify the headlights!!!! | |
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Is it possible that some of you are missing the point? What do you want for under $20k? In building the SRT-4, Chrysler isn't saying "Aha! We'll teach the competition a lesson in handling, power, refinement, styling, stability, longevity, and all around sex appeal with this one!" To be closer to the truth, I think they're saying "Here's a Neon with a turbo. Have fun guys!" The car is obviously targeted at the young "tuner" crowd. It's not SUPPOSED to be a WRX or Integra Type-R... that's why it's thousands of dollars less expensive. Look at all these kids (young and old) that put buttloads of cash into everyday grocery getters to get them to look and drive like performance vehicles (see www.riceboypage.com for heaps of examples). The idea of the SRT-4 is to take that 'everyday grocery getter' and make it respectable on the tuner scene in STOCK trim, with an intact warranty to boot. Some of these cars that people modify, how much cash and time do they have to invest to get their cars to perform on par with the SRT-4? 205hp stock... add a few simple bolt-ons, nothing major, and you can have that thing at about 215-220hp or more, still with a warranty. If you want to talk major mods, the sky's the limit. I just wish I could see the look on Joe Blow's face when a kid in a Neon beats his Type-R to the next stoplight. |
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