Back windows are manually operated. They're a reminder that the SRT-4 is based on the standard Neon, which was designed as a low-cost economy car. Another reminder is the rough-looking underside of the trunk lid, which closes on manual hinges to cover a large trunk with a rather high opening.
The turbocharged 2. That's an increase of 15 horsepower from the model, thanks to such modifications as larger fuel injectors that increase fuel flow and a recalibrated engine computer. One might expect poor fuel economy with such a swift car, but the SRT-4 provides an estimated 22 mpg in the city and 30 on the highway. The SRT-4 also gets a new, standard limited-slip differential, which gives it far more traction when accelerating out of corners; the power of the model made its inside front tire uselessly spin.
However, the SRT-4 has a prominent exhaust note that is tiring on longer trips if the sound system is switched off. Like all Neons, the SRT-4 is a front-drive car, whereas its main rivals have a rear-drive setup that generally results in more balanced handling because of less weight up front. The anti-lock all-disc brakes are powerful, providing sure stops from high speeds.
The special power steering is very quick. It's a bit heavy, but feels good and appropriate for a fast car; the last thing you'd want is overly light steering for such an auto. The ride is firm, but the suspension is supple enough to be comfortable on all but really bad pavement. There's no automatic transmission, though. The SRT-4 is a serious driver's car and thus is only offered with a slick five-speed manual gearbox.
It has a nice shifter that works with a long-throw clutch, which calls for moderate effort to depress. There are enhancements inside as well. Most noteworthy under this heading is the pair of racing-style bucket seats with oversize thigh and torso bolsters, adapted from the buckets used in the Dodge Viper.
The high-grip textured upholstery carries over to the door panels, there's a carbon-fiber pattern tanned into the leather covering the steering wheel, the instruments—including a mph speedo—are unique to this package, and there are a number of chrome accents, including bright instrument bezels.
That's the package. So what's it like to drive? Bitchin', thank you. Tramp on the go pedal, and the boost gauge snaps to attention—right now. Power comes on with a profound rush, and Frankeneon hurls itself down the street with a will. It's also capable of unwinding your favorite set of back-road kinks in a faster-than-average hurry, and it could probably be a good autocross weapon.
Pushed to its limits, the SRT-4 will behave like its tamer Neon cousins read "understeer" , but those limits are pretty high. They could be even higher with a little less tire sidewall and a little more starch in the suspension tuning.
But he and his cohorts wanted the ride quality to be kinder and gentler than the unyielding foundation of a race car, a goal they achieved: The SRT-4 is firm, but there's just enough compliance to soften hard asphaltic warts out there. Beyond that, the PVO boys aimed for a setup that would be a little forgiving.
So we also wanted a car that would be stable and easy to drive. We'd say PVO nailed its somewhat divergent dynamic targets and also nailed the braking performance. The SRT-4 delivers sports-car stopping distances— feet from 70 mph—and keeps delivering, stop after stop, without fade, without drama. A few. For one, shifting the New Venture five-speed is more work than fun, owing to its stiff action.
For another, those seats look cool and provide great lateral support, but they'd be pretty confining to live with day in and day out. Same goes for the exhaust note—mellifluous—but as your all-day companion it could be like listening to Roseanne singing the national anthem in a shower.
Your shower. The SRT-4 is a car with a short list of priorities, all of them performance-oriented. It doesn't rate high marks as everyday transportation, but that's not its mission. It's a factory hot rod that happens to possess all the virtues we hold dear—going, stopping, turning, changing directions, looking good, sounding good. Chrysler has used this formula before. It stood for "goes like hell. There is one commonality, though.
In its day, the Omni GLH represented a lot of hustle for the buck. The Verdict: Xtreme for everyday driving, but unbeatable for the bucks. Dodge, which has little credibility among compact-car hot rodders, has produced a car that is most like the heavily modified cars of individuals—crude, rough, loud, and quick.
Honda's new Civic Si is a bit too stolid—and slower than its predecessor. The Mazdaspeed Protege is a peach. The Dodge ain't pretty, with the basket-handle wing and more holes in the front end than Clyde Barrow's Ford, but it goes like stink.
Five-point-six to 60 mph?! Gotta love the Autobahn!! Chris answered 8 years ago. This is to racerx The srt got under normal driving. Kathy answered 5 years ago. GuruRCV4 answered 4 years ago. I got my srt4 blacked out edition And it is amazing. I bought mine for 5, and it is amazing. I have had no problems with it since and it has 90, miles on it. I have also adjusted my turbo intake pressure so that I can run more boost, plus an intercooler and I just put a new turbo intake kit on it.
I am pushing now without the dyno tuning. With the dyno tuning and the stand alone program I should be pushing to whp. It is a great car reliable and when tuned right the fastest front wheel drive car that the United States produced.
My personal advice is to look for a my buddy has an 04 and mine is much faster. The only difference with the 03 is no sunroof and no limited slip differential. But in all honesty you really don't need the sunroof or the lsd. Trust me the srt4 is the American subaru to me and many others. Good luck and I hope you take my feedback and roll with it. Guru5GY1W answered 3 years ago. I have a Dodge Neon with The only real problem is the wheel bearings, This car has been reliable with minimum maintenance for 16 years and the car is still straight and it has the original clutch.
Mack answered 3 years ago. I've always loved the srt-4 neons and now that there about 13 years old now. Of course your going to have normal issues with them and yes you will have to do repairs to them.
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