View Poll Results: Which $18,000-$22,000 Sporty Compact Would You Buy?
Acura RSX Premium - 2.0L 160HP/141 lb-ft 
7
15.56%
Dodge Neon SRT-4 - 2.4L(T) 215HP/245lb-ft 
10
22.22%
Ford Focus SVT - 2.0L 170HP/145 lb-ft 
0
0%
Honda Civic Si - 2.0L 160HP/141 lb-ft 
2
4.44%
Hyundai Tiburon V6 - 2.7L 170HP/181 lb-ft 
0
0%
MS Protege - 2.0L(T) 170HP/160 lb-ft 
11
24.44%
MINI Cooper S - 1.6L(SC) 163HP/155 lb-ft 
10
22.22%
Toyota Celica GT - 1.8L 140HP/125 lb-ft 
1
2.22%
Volkswagen GTI - 1.8L(T) 180HP/173 lb-ft 
4
8.89%
Voters: 45. You may not vote on this poll
HAN Car of the Week 5.26-6.02: 2004 Dodge Neon SRT-4
h:
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 16,353
Likes: 0
From: Ossining, New York
neons have really come up in the world in reliability. They are made so much beytter than when they first came out. The SRT-4 is an awesome vehicle. You get your money's worth and a whole lot more.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,217
Likes: 0
From: Oceanside, CA
I picked the mazdaspeed. It handles great. HP can be much easier to improved than the handling dynamics considering the MSP is already turboed. It wouldn't be too hard to get 200WHP from it.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 250
Likes: 0
From: somewhere in the mid
My vote goes to Mini. I love that car, it's beautiful inside and out, and handles nicely too. Too bad it doesn't have the power like Neon 
. For $20K, Neon is best bang for the buck for power :thumbup:
. For $20K, Neon is best bang for the buck for power :thumbup:
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 37,274
Likes: 0
From: Southern NH
As much as I hate Volkswagen as a whole, from that price point, I'd probably buy a GTI, change the springs and put on more aggresive rubber.
The MazdaSpeed Protege is a very close second, but the torque steer would bother me.
The MazdaSpeed Protege is a very close second, but the torque steer would bother me.
Wannabe yuppie
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 25,918
Likes: 0
From: Madison, WI
SRT-4 for me. It's got the complete package of way more power than anything else in the segment, good seats (despite the lack of harness slots), upgraded brakes, upgraded suspension bits, and sticky tires. Plus there are Mopar upgrades available that can both boost output and add an LSD while keeping the warranty intact. The other cars are nice, but the SRT-4 flat out destroys them in the power department.
DeeCeeFo'
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 5,755
Likes: 0
From: Scranton PA
Voted for the Mini S, but the MazdaSpeed Protoge was right there next to it. I just feel the Mini will outhandle the MSP plus power-to-weight ratio of the Mini oWnz the MSP.... I'd love to buy either of the two.
The SRT-4 definately outpowers all, and honestly I am not one (at least at this point in my life) to really care about creature comforts. Its all about the performance for mua. So for the price I might actually consider the SRT-4, but its still a Neon like stated prior.
The SRT-4 definately outpowers all, and honestly I am not one (at least at this point in my life) to really care about creature comforts. Its all about the performance for mua. So for the price I might actually consider the SRT-4, but its still a Neon like stated prior.
