To those people who can't figure out why the Neon SRT-4 is able to whup on Lancer EVO's.
SRT4 2970lbs
EVO 3263lbs (3298 with sunroof)
SRT4 225HP @5400rpm
EVO 271HP@6500rpm
SRT4 245 Torque
EVO 273 Torque
Other SRT4 junk:
Acceleration:
0-30 : 2.5 sec
0-60 : 5.6 sec
30-50 pass : 2 sec
50-70 pass : 3 sec
1/4 mile : 14.2 sec. at 99.5 MPH
Other stuff:
skidpad (200ft) : .85 g's
braking (60-0) : 119 ft
Wish I could find the above info on the EVO.
Anyway, here's my point. The Neon should pull on the EVO. It weighs roughly 300 pounds less. It's not pushing all-wheel-drive. The SRT4 - however, still looks like a skittle. It's a great car to take to the track, and for racing on Rt. 37 (you toms river kids know what I'm talking about) not to mention that it has MOPAR behind it, which means a good deal of aftermarket support.
The EVO, on the other hand - has more power, more weight, and all-wheel-drive. If you were to take these cars road racing, with a little bit of off-road trails thrown in, I'm fairly sure the EVO would still be holding the road/path and accelerating while the SRT4 had already lost traction.
That being said - I really wish I had either of these cars. Perf, you suck for buying your evo - but with those payments, I can't afford to suck like you do. However, if I could somehow win the damn lottery, I'd be driving an EVO.
But my car is back to stock, and I miss the acceleration of a turbocharged engine. I'm hoping I can make more payments on my car for about a year - and some extra payments so that I owe less on it. Then maybe I'll be able to trade it in for something quick.
Currently I'm looking at eithera Saturn Redline (200HP Supercharged - under $20K) or a Dodge Neon SRT-4. I just can't stand the idea of paying more than $300 a month for a car payment. On the other hand, I might just keep my protege and buy an old 3rd gen F-Body.