Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Branches Eastern Canada SRT-4 stock dyno link CRAZINESS

I really don't know what I would buy. Right now there is nothing out there that I like. I buy cars based on what I like and what I can afford. I just don't like Neons of any type. I also would never buy a Sunfire etc. I am sure anything that I would say that I would buy there will always be someone who won't like it. I hear from lots of people who hate Contours or Fords or whatever. If there was nothing on the market that I would purchase in my price range I would wait until something comes out that I like, even if I have to drive a used car until I find what I like. Everyone has their own preferences and opinions and well for me personally Neon's just don't cut it in any shape or form. Obviously that is not the case for everyone which is fine by me. If it wasn't for people with a difference of opinions, then we wouldn't have the car market that we have today. Chrysler's coming out with this car I am sure another manufacturer will come out with something to get the one up on them. That is just how it works.

If money was no object, I wouldn't have been looking at vehicles under 30g's. I had set out on purchasing a vehicle given certain criteria I had decided upon. Let's put it this way, all of the vehicles under the price limit that I looked at all had negative aspects to which I had to consider. Each vehicle also had positive aspects too. In the end it boiled down to the the SVT Focus and the Dodge SRT-4. You already know what I chose.

On a final note, this vehicle is not going to be used as a daily driver or as a commuter vehicle, so my criteria for choosing this vehicle is probably different than for others.

We all know the SRT-4 has a strong engine, but Chris did you find the handling to equal it? I'm hoping to get a "yes" to this question so it doesn't seem like manufacterers are starting a battle like in the muscle car days (not that I dislike muscle cars) where big engine meant everything and control was not as important.

Chris, for the handling and brakes of the SRT-4 is not as lagging to the SVT Focus as perceived. What I mean to say is that unless you are going to the limits to each vehicle on a regular basis, then you would probably find the Focus to be better, but statistics show only marginally better. For the average street driver, this won't matter. Don't you worry, the stock suspension and brakes won't be on my SRT-4 for too, too long, as I just have to tinker with it.

PS: Even if I had purchased a Focus, it wouldn't have stayed stock either.

Well, I took out the SRT-4 last night, and here are a few impressions

Look: While there are some that say "it's just a Neon" I would say different. The look is much more aggressive, especially with the nifty front fascia.

Interior: They had to save money somewhere, didn't they? In all aspects except for the seats, this is a Neon, which means cheap, cheap, cheap. I pushed up on the roof liner and it folded: it's made of cardboard weaker than a cheap pizza box.

The seats are veeeeery supportive. Too supportive, in fact, for a man of my carriage: they dug into my glutei like mad. From the waist up, they were very soft yet grabby, wholly appropriate for the vehicle.

Acceleration: The fastest car I ever rode in was a 1995 Mustang that had the full Saleen kit and was supercharged. It made my stomach hit my spine. This car did pretty much the same thing. Easily the fastest I have ever driven.

I only got to really let it rip once, and the acceleration is astounding, but well controlled. There is little to no torque steer, which is astounding given the amount of power this thing has.

Drivetrain: Good shifter, nice clutch. Next!

Handling: Really good. I felt that there was nothing lackin between this car and my SVT. And you know how I feel about my SVT's handling. The BFG KDWs had a lot to do with that.

Sound: No muffler makes it loud when you're out of the car, but it is fine when you are in the car. Has the neat burble when you get off the gas. Completely in character with the car

Brakes: Brembos all around. It feels like it has battleship anchors all around. Yep, they're good.

All in all, on the basis of performance alone, it is an excellent package, but it's inexpensive roots come to the surface every now and then. Still, it is a complete hoot to drive.

The downside is that the seats are so tight I was sitting on them instead of in them. Widen our those bolsters, and I might be comfortable in it.

Would I buy it? Not now. But it is a Chrysler, and depreciation is our friend

Hmm, the anti-Chrysler, and anti-Neon agitation sort of surprises me.
As do the questions as to why a Chrysler product is being discussed in depth on a Ford Contour board.

I, and I suspect many others who post here, are automobile enthusiasts. People who love cars, and who love driving them.

It is from that perspective that I consider the SRT-4, and post about it.

Why not discuss a new product in Canada? No harm in that.
Plus, the SRT-4 is a car in the spirit of the SVT Contour - a clapped-out, souped-up factory hod-rod. Factory performance for a reasonably affordable price.

So it's a Neon. So it's a Chrysler. Who cares?

It will SMOKE just about anything else out on the road. In a straight line, the only cars in stock & unmodified form that can outrun it are either expensive German, Italian, or Japanese imports, and only a handful of other domestics could dust it off.

All that for under $27K, MSRP.

Wow.

As an auto enthusiast, I can appreciate this car for what it is; an inexpensive joy to drive.

I think that those who pooh-pooh this car and say it's a disposable Chrysler just simply do not get it, though I suspect one drive in Chris Wong's new car might get them to crack a smile as all those newton-metres of power press you back into the seats.

If anyone wants to buy a '02 SVT Focus with 10K kms on it for about, um, $26,950, please let me know.

I have Capital Dodge Chrysler in Ottawa on speed dial.

My only point here is not to say that Chris shouldn't have bought the car but that I wouldn't buy it. It is just not for me. I don't deny that it isn't bang for the buck either but again, it just isn't my cup of tea. I am sure Chris will have a blast driving it and "improving" on it and I am sure it would impress me more than I think it will. Enjoy it Chris. You do need to bring it out to a meet sometime to show it off. Everyone always has to show off their new car.

Thanks Laura. If money was no object, I would be driving say a 350Z or a G35 coupe, but that's not going to happen any time soon. I'll be sure to bring the SRT-4 out, though I will feel a bit out of place amongst all of the Fords.

Hey, my SVT Contour is still currently my #1 car.

I'm just it is. I plan on keeping mine for ever if possible. Could need some work in the next couple of years though.

I am sure we can find you a parking space (you know just down from us) j/k. Isn't everyone up to see something new. We have had two other previous members buy Nissan's and were all still friends.

Hmm.. G35 huh. Yep that would be cool.