Now even faster; '04 Neon SRT-4...0-60, 5.3 secs, 1/4 mile in 13.9

[Flyermax2k3]

Originally posted by: blahblah99
Funny how I see everyone talk about the SRT-4 being fast and handling well (gasp!), yet I see a whole lot more S2Ks and 350zs and even G35 coupes out on the street, and this is in SOCAL.


I dont really see who the target consumers of this car is. Kids who have their parents buy them a new car won't be getting this car when their parents find out its a faster than normal car and insurance rates are through the roof for a 16yr old. And those who can afford to buy a car with their own money will either 1) buy a more luxurious and comfortable car in the same price range, 2) spend more to get a more socially respectable car, or 3)spend that money to put together their own fast car.

Since when has common sense ever entered into the equation of an American car buyer purchasing a car?

 

[NFS4]

Originally posted by: mAdD INDIAN

Originally posted by: NFS4

Originally posted by: Flyermax2k3

Originally posted by: mAdD INDIAN
I don't see how any manufacturer can top the SRT-4. It truly is the best sport compact car to buy right now. I fail to see how DC can even sell a car like that at such a low pricepoint. And it's a complete package as well, with a chassis/suspension to match its power.

They can do it because it's a Neon. If the SRT4 were based off any other platform but their million-seller econocar, it would cost significantly more.

Exactly. The Neon is a dirt cheap Avis rental car.

a car that manages to prove itself time and time again in grassroots and amatuer racing series year after a year? A car that won so many times that SCCA had to make its own class?

Sure it has a crappy interior and shoddy build quality. But its a performance car, as long as the chassis is tight and mechanicals are reliable (which I don't doubt given Chrylser's respected turbo-4cyl history), its surprising thats its in its current price point.

You answered your own question:

"I fail to see how DC can even sell a car like that at such a low pricepoint."

"Sure it has a crappy interior and shoddy build quality."

Nuff said. Question answered

 

[blahblah99]

Originally posted by: Flyermax2k3

Originally posted by: blahblah99
Funny how I see everyone talk about the SRT-4 being fast and handling well (gasp!), yet I see a whole lot more S2Ks and 350zs and even G35 coupes out on the street, and this is in SOCAL.


I dont really see who the target consumers of this car is. Kids who have their parents buy them a new car won't be getting this car when their parents find out its a faster than normal car and insurance rates are through the roof for a 16yr old. And those who can afford to buy a car with their own money will either 1) buy a more luxurious and comfortable car in the same price range, 2) spend more to get a more socially respectable car, or 3)spend that money to put together their own fast car.

Since when has common sense ever entered into the equation of an American car buyer purchasing a car?

If common sense was so common, then why is 99% of the population missing it?

 

[Flyermax2k3]

Originally posted by: blahblah99

Originally posted by: Flyermax2k3

Originally posted by: blahblah99
Funny how I see everyone talk about the SRT-4 being fast and handling well (gasp!), yet I see a whole lot more S2Ks and 350zs and even G35 coupes out on the street, and this is in SOCAL.


I dont really see who the target consumers of this car is. Kids who have their parents buy them a new car won't be getting this car when their parents find out its a faster than normal car and insurance rates are through the roof for a 16yr old. And those who can afford to buy a car with their own money will either 1) buy a more luxurious and comfortable car in the same price range, 2) spend more to get a more socially respectable car, or 3)spend that money to put together their own fast car.

Since when has common sense ever entered into the equation of an American car buyer purchasing a car?

If common sense was so common, then why is 99% of the population missing it?

True! But that's where I was going with that comment anyway

 

[SupaDupaCheez]

I don't care if the thing could do the 1/4 in under 10 seconds....IT'S STILL A NEON!

SDC

 

If you're going to spend the money, why not just lay the extra few grand down and get a real car.

 

[LAUST]

The Accord or Camry and if they have the need for a truck F150 or Silverado/Sierra

 

[mAdD INDIAN]

Originally posted by: NFS4

Originally posted by: mAdD INDIAN

Originally posted by: NFS4

Originally posted by: Flyermax2k3

Originally posted by: mAdD INDIAN
I don't see how any manufacturer can top the SRT-4. It truly is the best sport compact car to buy right now. I fail to see how DC can even sell a car like that at such a low pricepoint. And it's a complete package as well, with a chassis/suspension to match its power.

They can do it because it's a Neon. If the SRT4 were based off any other platform but their million-seller econocar, it would cost significantly more.

Exactly. The Neon is a dirt cheap Avis rental car.

a car that manages to prove itself time and time again in grassroots and amatuer racing series year after a year? A car that won so many times that SCCA had to make its own class?

Sure it has a crappy interior and shoddy build quality. But its a performance car, as long as the chassis is tight and mechanicals are reliable (which I don't doubt given Chrylser's respected turbo-4cyl history), its surprising thats its in its current price point.

You answered your own question:

"I fail to see how DC can even sell a car like that at such a low pricepoint."

"Sure it has a crappy interior and shoddy build quality."

Nuff said. Question answered

point taken. I think they made a good compromise.

 

[Flyermax2k3]

Originally posted by: LAUST

Originally posted by: Flyermax2k3

Originally posted by: blahblah99
Funny how I see everyone talk about the SRT-4 being fast and handling well (gasp!), yet I see a whole lot more S2Ks and 350zs and even G35 coupes out on the street, and this is in SOCAL.


I dont really see who the target consumers of this car is. Kids who have their parents buy them a new car won't be getting this car when their parents find out its a faster than normal car and insurance rates are through the roof for a 16yr old. And those who can afford to buy a car with their own money will either 1) buy a more luxurious and comfortable car in the same price range, 2) spend more to get a more socially respectable car, or 3)spend that money to put together their own fast car.

Since when has common sense ever entered into the equation of an American car buyer purchasing a car?

The Accord or Camry and if they have the need for a truck F150 or Silverado/Sierra

I would argue those vehicles are only made common sense purchases because their respective manufacturers have designated said vehicles as their flagships and, as such, have to imbue them with higher quality/bang-for-the-buck than all other models they produce, thus making the buyers of said vehicles appear smarter than they truly are

 

[freebee]

For all this hype over a neon, a plain jane Forester XT will match it in the 1/4 and be a heck of a lot more confortable and practical.

 

[lowfatbaconboy]

is it really a better car overall?
have you seen any slalom times?
id think a WRX is better overall but thats just me

i know the WRX pulls a better number on the skid pad.... (i think neon is .86 and wrx is .89 or something like that)

what i can't wait to see is the '05 mustang GT with the estimated price of 25k for 300hp and 315tq.....not an american car fan (except the old school 60s 70s american cars ....since this looks like an old mustang ....rock on)

then again what does power matter if you can't drive?....ive seen 180ish hp 2.5 RS impreza beat the ever living crap out of a 400hp WRX that was set up for autox....(in an autoX)

 

[opticalmace]

Originally posted by: NFS4

Originally posted by: mAdD INDIAN

Originally posted by: NFS4

Originally posted by: Flyermax2k3

Originally posted by: mAdD INDIAN
I don't see how any manufacturer can top the SRT-4. It truly is the best sport compact car to buy right now. I fail to see how DC can even sell a car like that at such a low pricepoint. And it's a complete package as well, with a chassis/suspension to match its power.

They can do it because it's a Neon. If the SRT4 were based off any other platform but their million-seller econocar, it would cost significantly more.

Exactly. The Neon is a dirt cheap Avis rental car.

a car that manages to prove itself time and time again in grassroots and amatuer racing series year after a year? A car that won so many times that SCCA had to make its own class?

Sure it has a crappy interior and shoddy build quality. But its a performance car, as long as the chassis is tight and mechanicals are reliable (which I don't doubt given Chrylser's respected turbo-4cyl history), its surprising thats its in its current price point.

You answered your own question:

"I fail to see how DC can even sell a car like that at such a low pricepoint."

"Sure it has a crappy interior and shoddy build quality."

Nuff said. Question answered

*golf clap and :beer:*

one of your better ones NFS4

 

[Fritzo]

Originally posted by: beatle

Originally posted by: Ranger X
How much do these go for?

According to the article, the 04 is $20,995, up $1k from last year.

The value of these cars will drop like rocks after a few years. I wonder if reliability will follow suit with the other Neons, which is abysmal.

I think the car looks pretty slick, actually. In comparison, Toyota and Honda have driven the looks of their cars into the ground. Mazda, OTOH, just can't seem to screw up. All of their new cars look sweet!

I'm in for an RX-8 next model year Hope they boost the output a bit...

 

[Fritzo]

Originally posted by: geno

Originally posted by: Flyermax2k3

Originally posted by: geno

Originally posted by: desertdweller
I don't care how fast it goes.

Its still a Neon and you still can't polish a turd.


DD

A turd that'll wax a $30,000 car from a roll

Yeah, because only real racers race from a roll

Who cares what your car can do from a roll? If you're already moving, driver skill is basically eliminated from the equation and it's nothing more than a contest of who has a better power to weight ratio and/or gearing. What's the fun in that?

The fun is in going fast. 1/4 miles are fun and all but they're over by the time you hit 100.

Hell if you want to get technical about it, what 1/4 does a 350Z run? RX-8? How about any other sub 30k pocket rocket for sale on the market today. How many of them run a 13.9? I'd imagine two or three. A car that runs these times for 21K is nothing short of amazing, I don't care what anyone says about the looks.

Yeah, but will it hold up after diving it like that? I doubt it. It will probably be like the Mustangs of the 80's- fast but fell apart after a couple of years.

 

[IshmaelLeaver]

Neon SRT-4 is today's Omni GLH.

Fun, but it won't last.

 

[SherEPunjab]

i've never owned a domestic in my life. I've only bought japanese. i also used to be in the import scene, and would totally dis on the neon and American cars in general. this being said, i think dodge has done a nice job. yeah, its a neon, but who cares, thats one FAST neon. i bet 95% of peoples cars on here cannot do the quarter in under 14 seconds. i bet 98% of cars on the road cannot do that. sure, its still a neon, and its not naturally aspirated, but its still a good deal when you compare its numbers to other cars. I can't think of any other car in the low 20s that can be bought for new and run the quarter in under 14 seconds. I'm not up to date on the latest times on the mustang GT, but i remember that car used to run it in 14.1 or so. 5.3 secs 0-60?!! That is very impressive for a car in this price range folks, even if its a neon. Sure you can buy a car and mode it, i've done that, and my friends have, but bolt-ons alone isn't going to get your civic or integra to run the quarter in 13.9 seconds. you can turbocharge it, but then you will void your warranty. i never looked into the details of the warranty, but do know that dealers give modded cars a heck of a time when something goes wrong.

btw, i call this car rice too. rice doesn't have to be just asian, you can have riced out american cars, which this clearly is. but for those young people looking for a fast car, this is one great choice imho. btw, since its american, its resale probably stinks. best bet for those HS kids maybe to buy one slightly used (only thing to avoid is to be sure that the previous owner wasn't some heavy footed teen that probably drove the sh*t out of it)

 

[geno]

Originally posted by: freebee
For all this hype over a neon, a plain jane Forester XT will match it in the 1/4 and be a heck of a lot more confortable and practical.

What Forrester runs a 13.9 stock?? BTW until you've sat in an SRT's Viper seats, I wouldn't comment on comfort

Fun, but it won't last.

Won't last how - reliability wise? sales wise? what?

 

[Kenazo]

This is hardly the first time that Chrysler has come out w/ a fast car based on an econo model. Think of the Daytona IROC's that came out in the early 90's, w/ the 2.2 turbo's. They were all sorts of fast, and basically a K-car to boot.

 

[Red]

Originally posted by: geno

Originally posted by: freebee
For all this hype over a neon, a plain jane Forester XT will match it in the 1/4 and be a heck of a lot more confortable and practical.

What Forrester runs a 13.9 stock?? BTW until you've sat in an SRT's Viper seats, I wouldn't comment on comfort

Fun, but it won't last.

Won't last how - reliability wise? sales wise? what?

Forrester XT. You can go and buy one right now from a Subaru dealership and it does 0-60 in 5.2, 1/4 mile in 13.9. It weights 3300.

 

[geno]

Originally posted by: Redhotjrm

Originally posted by: geno

Originally posted by: freebee
For all this hype over a neon, a plain jane Forester XT will match it in the 1/4 and be a heck of a lot more confortable and practical.

What Forrester runs a 13.9 stock?? BTW until you've sat in an SRT's Viper seats, I wouldn't comment on comfort

Fun, but it won't last.

Won't last how - reliability wise? sales wise? what?

Forrester XT. You can go and buy one right now from a Subaru dealership and it does 0-60 in 5.2, 1/4 mile in 13.9. It weights 3300.

I know what it is, never saw performance number like that from it though - got some links?

EDIT - off the top of my head, doesn't it have a 2.5 turbo similar to the WRX? The WRX doesn't even come close to those numbers...

BTW: MSRP on that Forester is almost 5k more than the SRT-4

 

[Mr.IncrediblyBored]

Originally posted by: Redhotjrm

Originally posted by: geno

Originally posted by: freebee
For all this hype over a neon, a plain jane Forester XT will match it in the 1/4 and be a heck of a lot more confortable and practical.

What Forrester runs a 13.9 stock?? BTW until you've sat in an SRT's Viper seats, I wouldn't comment on comfort

Fun, but it won't last.

Won't last how - reliability wise? sales wise? what?

Forrester XT. You can go and buy one right now from a Subaru dealership and it does 0-60 in 5.2, 1/4 mile in 13.9. It weights 3300.

I think you're a little confused. The Legacy will go on sale in the U.S. later this year and will be offered in the turbo 2.5L H4. It's a detuned version of the WRX STi's engine and puts out 280hp. The Forrester is a compact SUV/wagon crossover and isn't even close to the same market segment as the SRT-4. Not to mention the fact that has some 210hp maximum.

Just to give some of you a frame of reference, the WRX STi will hit 60mph in about 5.8s, through the quarter mile around 14-14.2s. Link..

 

[geno]

yeah, the more sites I look at about it, the more I think he's mistaken about the Forester XT's numbers

 

[nitrousninja]

SRT4s are great BFTB performers but I'll stick with my pullied '03 Cobra.

 

[mAdD INDIAN]

Originally posted by: geno

Originally posted by: Redhotjrm

Originally posted by: geno

Originally posted by: freebee
For all this hype over a neon, a plain jane Forester XT will match it in the 1/4 and be a heck of a lot more confortable and practical.

What Forrester runs a 13.9 stock?? BTW until you've sat in an SRT's Viper seats, I wouldn't comment on comfort

Fun, but it won't last.

Won't last how - reliability wise? sales wise? what?

Forrester XT. You can go and buy one right now from a Subaru dealership and it does 0-60 in 5.2, 1/4 mile in 13.9. It weights 3300.

I know what it is, never saw performance number like that from it though - got some links?

EDIT - off the top of my head, doesn't it have a 2.5 turbo similar to the WRX? The WRX doesn't even come close to those numbers...

BTW: MSRP on that Forester is almost 5k more than the SRT-4

WRX is 2L turbo, STi is 2.5L Turbo. Forrester has STi detuned powerplanmt.

The SRT4 is sweet..best car you can buy right now (in that range).

 

[Red]

Forrester XT is rated at 210, but real world results show that the boxer puts out about 241-245. Every single piece of info I can find on them on the internet shows that the XT runs about 5.0-5.5 0-60 and does a 13.8-14.0 1/4 mile.