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
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,207
Likes: 0
From: Seattle
I'm biased, I picked the RSX. Its too bad that Acura doesn't offer a Type-S w/o leather because then it'd probably fit under the price cap. Actually, I think I would have gone with the MSP if I was such a biased person.
I eat plastic.
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 15,177
Likes: 0
From: Detroit, MI
I picked the Dodge. It's an amazing car. The interior is cheap (the design isn't awful, it's very ergonomic, and it's quite roomy), but everything comes together well on that car. There is a ton of power, but the handling is great, and the steering is well balanced. The transmission isn't honda-great, but it gets the job done well. The styling is questionable, as always, but I think they did what they could to make a "cute" car into a "performance" oriented car. I think it looks good, actually. It rides pretty well without being harsh, too. That's why I like the SRT-4. Plus, my grandfather was a Mopar man, and I have to keep the tradition alive. 
Thread Starter
lots and lots of fail
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 23,004
Likes: 1
From: Deeeeeeeeeeeeeeetroit
I wish more people picking the Si and RSX would justify their opinions. They're nice cars and have lots of potential, but it's hard to say that they're better than the MSP, Cooper S, GTI or SRT-4.
HC Racer H5
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 4,261
Likes: 0
From: KCK
Originally posted by 98CoupeV6
I wish more people picking the Si and RSX would justify their opinions. They're nice cars and have lots of potential, but it's hard to say that they're better than the MSP, Cooper S, GTI or SRT-4.
I wish more people picking the Si and RSX would justify their opinions. They're nice cars and have lots of potential, but it's hard to say that they're better than the MSP, Cooper S, GTI or SRT-4.
Thread Starter
lots and lots of fail
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 23,004
Likes: 1
From: Deeeeeeeeeeeeeeetroit
Originally posted by jaje
the si and the rsx speak quality in every aspect where most of the other cars make short cuts and skimp on other areas of the cars to offer performance...but aside from this higher level of refinement on a honda product, they lack the performance
the si and the rsx speak quality in every aspect where most of the other cars make short cuts and skimp on other areas of the cars to offer performance...but aside from this higher level of refinement on a honda product, they lack the performance
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,217
Likes: 0
From: Oceanside, CA
Originally posted by jaje
the si and the rsx speak quality in every aspect where most of the other cars make short cuts and skimp on other areas of the cars to offer performance...but aside from this higher level of refinement on a honda product, they lack the performance
the si and the rsx speak quality in every aspect where most of the other cars make short cuts and skimp on other areas of the cars to offer performance...but aside from this higher level of refinement on a honda product, they lack the performance
HC Racer H5
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 4,261
Likes: 0
From: KCK
Originally posted by asianautica
Well, every car company make short cuts and skimp somewhere. Most others skim on the interior and put the $$ in performance while Honda skimp on performance and put the $$ in interior quality. Just look at their wheel and tire choices and you can definitely tell where they skimp on.
Well, every car company make short cuts and skimp somewhere. Most others skim on the interior and put the $$ in performance while Honda skimp on performance and put the $$ in interior quality. Just look at their wheel and tire choices and you can definitely tell where they skimp on.