[shift330]

So.. going to this SRT4 neon from my e90....anyone here own one of these before? Any commonly known issues, the good and the bad?

[FStop7]

seriously? i don't mean to bash on your new car, but an SRT-4?

[blue2fire]

Those are FWD, aren't they?
IMO, i would have had an Si if i was looking for a car in that vein.

But the reliability seems okay, if there are no mods (as far as i can see from the interweb). You might ask here for detail http://www.srtforums.com/forums/f10/

[Boost Gomez]

You put all that time and energy into your E90 to jump into a Neon?

[guardianangel3290]

dude...

Why would you go from that bad ass E90 to a discontinued, FWD, ricer. I mean, if you were looking to get into something cheaper why would you choose the srt-4?
I heard they go to shit at around 30k miles and most need a pretty expensive overhall

[The__J__Factor]

That 330i looks amazing, getting rid of if for a neon is just plain wrong.

[ACZakka325i]

[shift330]

Originally Posted by Boost Gomez

You put all that time and energy into your E90 to jump into a Neon?

Yup, divorce is a hell of a thing!

[shift330]

Originally Posted by guardianangel3290

dude...

Why would you go from that bad ass E90 to a discontinued, FWD, ricer. I mean, if you were looking to get into something cheaper why would you choose the srt-4?
I heard they go to shit at around 30k miles and most need a pretty expensive overhall

This one has around 40k miles and I know the owner very well, he is extremely anal about maintenence and care of his cars. Besides, the e90 330i is discontinued too at least in the US

[iatacs19]

I think it was the 2nd fastest car in the Dodge lineup when it was in production. The first of course being the Viper.

[ragingclue]

Laughing @ some of the replies. That car, although still very much a neon underneath, can be made to be batshit fast. And you know what else.... When it breaks, you're not paying the BMW tax to have it fixed....

An Evo is just a crazy tarted up Lancer, and an STi just a crazy tarted up Impreza. Same concept with the Neon SRT-4 minus two driving wheels and a few stock HP. It's not a horrible car by any means. They all do one thing and they do it well: Go fast on the (relative) cheap.

And, FWIW, all you FWD haters, the stock turbo Cobalt SS lapped the ring a few seconds faster than the 335i, and right on par with an E46 M3. So bash FWD all you want; the simple fact of the matter is when applied correctly, it can still be fast.

OP, that one looks nice; too bad you'll have to get rid of your ride for it. Definitely one of the better looking E90's I've seen on here.

[lyndon_h]

Originally Posted by iatacs19

I think it was the 2nd fastest car in the Dodge lineup when it was in production. The first of course being the Viper.

That depends on what kinda track you are running the cars on, cause the R/T 10 pickup is/was pretty fast.

[VTECaddict]

i had a neon rental when my accord was in the body shop. oh dear sweet jesus i hope i never have to drive one again.

Originally Posted by ragingclue

An Evo is just a crazy tarted up Lancer, and an STi just a crazy tarted up Impreza. Same concept with the Neon SRT-4 minus two driving wheels and a few stock HP. It's not a horrible car by any means. They all do one thing and they do it well: Go fast on the (relative) cheap.

i see your point, but there is a big difference. the lancer and impreza are actually decent econoboxes (impreza more so). the neon on the other hand.....

i would seriously rather drive a slower, better built, better quality car (ie civic, corolla, etc) than the SRT-4.

[TK-421]

If I were in that market, I would consider a Cobalt SS over an SRT-4. Look at it's 'Ring time.


Good luck with your divorce, BTW.

[Robert]

they are quite fast in a straight line with mild mods

[guardianangel3290]

Originally Posted by Robert

they are quite fast in a straight line with mild mods

But the embarrassment of a FWD burn out will always string haha

And to the guy who compared the SRT-4 to a EVO/ STi, they arent the same thing. The japs are great AWD cars that can serve many purposes and fufill the needs of many people, where as the SRT-4 was made only for those who live their lives "a quarter mile at a time". haha

Hows the safety on these btw? I know they're light at fuck. 2400 lbs cant mean safety features are there in abundance.

[ragingclue]

Originally Posted by guardianangel3290

But the embarrassment of a FWD burn out will always string haha

And to the guy who compared the SRT-4 to a EVO/ STi, they arent the same thing. The japs are great AWD cars that can serve many purposes and fufill the needs of many people, where as the SRT-4 was made only for those who live their lives "a quarter mile at a time". haha

Hows the safety on these btw? I know they're light at fuck. 2400 lbs cant mean safety features are there in abundance.

Not "same thing". I said "same concept" which it is entirely. Take an economy car and ruffle its feathers until you have a pocket rocket. And while the Japanese cars do have AWD, Chevy proved (where the Neon fell short) that FWD can still be a decent platform to go fast and use the steering wheel at the same time.

[guardianangel3290]

Originally Posted by ragingclue

Not "same thing". I said "same concept" which it is entirely. Take an economy car and ruffle its feathers until you have a pocket rocket. And while the Japanese cars do have AWD, Chevy proved (where the Neon fell short) that FWD can still be a decent platform to go fast and use the steering wheel at the same time.

But the Dodge SRT-4 is not the Chevy Cobalt SS; therefor the Chevy's successes dont permiate to all other cars with FWD. I dont doubt that FWD platform cant be used effectively, but, in the case of the neon, it simply isn't as advanced or refined as some of the more modern offerings.

[stealth-twntrbo]

haha I am a chrysler dealer in MI and I know some SRT engineers from the local proving ground by my house they said they had tuned and SRT-4 on there own and could get it to run 35 to 115mph side by side against a viper. I was like damn why did u have to delimit the production version so much lol.

[Xaeryan]

Stop listening to those who've never done anything more than thumb their BMW noses at an SRT-4. I HAVE an SRT-4. They weigh about ~2900 lbs. to dispel whoever said they weigh 2400 (!!?!?). And also, they can do burnouts with dignity and would drown out anything short of a V8 M3 in a display of flagrance. They make great power for a 4-cylinder, and are underrated from the factory (most were dynoing around 220+ to the wheels, they are rated at 230 to the motor). They boost about 14lbs stock. There are factory upgrade kits that make the BMW Performance parts look tame and expensive in comparison. For instance, the stage 2 kit is +35hp and +30tq for $800 MSRP U.S., which includes a new computer, injectors, sensors, and waste gate actuator. You can also get an optional boost controller, intercooler sprayer, and high-octane switch with it. Stage 3 comes with much the same but includes a bigger manifold/turbo assembly to boot. Think 310 hp 320 tq. on pump gas, or pop in race fuel and hit the high octane button and you've got 355 hp and 365 tq. The factory computer upgrades add features like WOT shifting (which is INCREDIBLE). I am currently on Stage 2, with a supplemental full exhaust. Stage 2 runs about 16lbs of boost (some get more than others). These are factory upgrades. Currently many people are pushing 400 whp with stock internals and some people are even pushing 500 whp on stock internals and clutches. 2004-2005 models had a Quaiffe ATB standard. It is very nice, and extremely noticeable how much it helps when pushing the car hard.

Coming from my SRT-4 with Stage 2 (265 hp / 280 tq) and a full 3" exhaust, I was a bit disappointed with my 135i acceleration in comparison. The SRT-4 pulls like a raped ape, stronger and stronger till the revs cut. Even after a performance exhaust and fiddling with the TMAP sensor () the BMW doesn't have as strong of pull, and feels very soft up top. The advantages the BMW does have are a.) traction (RWD is far superior here) and b.) better low end-torque (the SRT-4 is a large 4 cylinder powering a single turbo bigger than the little tiny turbos our BMWs have, so there is some lag until around 2k RPM).
Performance exhausts for the SRT make tons of power, as do performance intercoolers on these cars (far more than *35i equivalents).
Power: SRT-4
The handling isn't horrible, but body roll is heavy, and they are of course nose heavy. The car feels heavier than the 135i in the turns, even though it weighs ~400 lbs less. Compared to my bro-in-laws Cobalt SS, he would whip the SRT-4 handling-wise. Again, there are *factory* upgrade kits, including a full race coilover setup, with many different spring settings available. I installed upgraded anti-roll bars and lowering springs, all from mopar. Even still, my stock 135i handles better than the SRT-4 (can't wait to upgrade the 135i suspension!).
Handling: 135i
The short throw shifter (and even stock) are some of the best shifter units I have ever felt; only disadvantage is a heavier input is required, but you learn to love it. The *snick* into place so nicely.
Shifter: SRT-4
The brakes are ok, but do fade during hard use. The 135s brakes are far superior, in feel, power and fade resistance.
Brakes: 135i
The clutch and throttle are soft and smooth in the BMW, while a bit more unrefined in the SRT-4. The SRT throttle pedal spring could hold a storm door closed, so inching in traffic can be tricky. Combine this with the SRTs heavy duty transmission, and you get quite a bit of drivetrain lash. The clutch on the SRTs are VERY strong, mine still grabs hard even during WOT shifts.
Pedal Control + Traffic: 135i
The SRT-4s seats, pilfered from the Viper parts bin, are far superior to the BMW seats in terms of comfort for me (unless you get unlucky and a car with side airbags - these had crappo seats). I am a tall, lanky guy with many back problems. I have driven the SRT-4 for 10 hours straight (Indianapolis - come back F1!) and had no fatigue whatsoever. The BMW I find myself always trying to get comfortable and never quite getting it right, and often being sore. Also, the non-adjustable seat-belts get really annoying for me in the 135i, a collared shirt is helpful here.
Comfort: SRT-4
The interior and exterior quality of the BMW is far superior to the SRT-4, and so is the ride quality and overall refinement.
Quality / Refinement: 135i
Convenience goes to the SRT-4, with tons more front and rear room, a larger trunk, four doors, etc.
Convenience: SRT-4
Economy goes to the SRT-4 as well, mine averages somewhere around 22 mpg city, and somewhere around 30 mpg highway.
Economy: SRT-4
There is of course the boy racerness of the SRT-4 which was annoying (everyone with a fart can loved to rev at me and always wanted to race), but one could argue there is also the snobbishness of the BMW (see previous posts for evidence of this).
Sophistication / Looks: 135i
My SRT-4 has 70 thousand miles on it, toss in some autocrossing/drag-stripping in there. I have not had ONE problem with it. Not one.
Reliability: Remains to be seen, the 135i has a lot to live up to.

Overall, I have told people the SRT-4 was the best car I've ever owned. I now have a 135i and still have not changed my mind yet. The fun I've had taking down cars half the price (the SRT-4 cost me 21k brand new), making the kind of noises usually reserved for drag-strip only cars, carting 3 of my buddies with ease, and being in a car that is relatively rare wins over the BMWs refinement and quality. But when I want a break from the rawness of te SRT-4, the 135i is a great back-road cruiser.

Any other questions, I would be glad to answer them for you. Again, I have both and drive them back to back on many occasions.

[1speedbike]

Shoulda gotten this:

[Scorpion]

Originally Posted by 1speedbike

Shoulda gotten this:

That's insane.