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Opinion Summary
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SRT-4: extremely quick, but flawed
by mkaresh | Mar 05 '04
Pros: Very quick without massive torque steer; well-bolstered seat, price lower than other similarly quick cars
Cons: Driving position, exhaust noise, styling, interior materials, shifter, $6,000 more than a Neon R/T
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OVERALL RATING
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Re: response (Reply to this comment)
by mkaresh,  in Cars & Motorsports
The Acura is likely to be the most reliable. You just don't nearly as much low-end grunt. But you do get a much nicer interior. The Neon and Lancer tend to score about average in reliability surveys. As you know, the Neon is considerably less expensive than the others.
If you can live with RS-X levels of acceleration, I actually enjoyed driving the Lancer Ralliart nearly as much as I enjoyed driving the Evo. It has less horsepower than the Acura, but a stronger midrange, so it feels quicker in typical driving. As a daily driver it's a more livable car than the Evo, and its componentry is less heavily stressed--which should bode better for durability. A lightly used example should be really cheap. You might try to find one, if only to check it out.
Another possibility in the RS-X realm of performance is the Mazda3. I believe reliability has been strong so far, and a very polished car. Doesn't feel as strong as the Ralliart despite similar engine stats--midrange not as strong. For more power a MazdaSpeed version is due at some point, but I'm not sure exactly when.
Among used cars you might try to track down a MazdaSpeed Protege. Proteges tend to be very reliable cars. The MSP only has 170 horsepower, but it's still quite quick, and handles very well. Much less refined than the Mazda3, but with an edgier character.
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May 11 '05
8:06 am PDT
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response (Reply to this comment)
by hermy454
I've driven the srt 4 and the rsx type s. I haven't had the chance to drive an Evo yet. I'm having a hard time deciding because reliability is as important to me as performance. Yes the rsx is slow, but is has potential to be fast and it has reliability. The srt 4 smokes it, but i've heard there kinda unreliable. As far as the evo goes, i like what ive heard about performance, but ive also heard that it has a weak clutch and the fact that it is broken in with synthetic oil bothers me. So I really have no clue what to get. If there are any better cars in that price range feel free to let me know.( no subaru)
Sorry if i'm bothering you, but i'm having a hard time deciding and you seem to know more about these cars than I do. Thanks for your time
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May 10 '05
6:21 pm PDT
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Re: another question (Reply to this comment)
by mkaresh, in Cars & Motorsports
Have you driven all three of these cars? If so, I'd think your choice would be clear. They have very different personalities.
The Acura is far more refined than the other two, but relatively gutless down low.
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May 10 '05
6:42 am PDT
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another question (Reply to this comment)
by hermy454
Sorry to put you on the spot, but i'm having a very hard time deciding on wich car to get. It's between the srt 4, the Evo and the rsx type-s. I'm looking for a fast , fun and reliable daily driver. It needs to be versatile enough to be my daily driver and at the same time be able to take some pusihment from going to the track and driving kinda hard around town. Any advice would be great, as I have no clue what to get.
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May 09 '05
10:28 am PDT
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Re: Good review (Reply to this comment)
by mkaresh, in Cars & Motorsports
I just try to point out potential issues. A potential issue is only a real issue if it's an issue for you.
Let's see, SRT vs. Evo. The SRT feels stronger, especially at lower RPM. The Evo handles much better, with a lighter feel and the greater stability afforded by all-wheel-drive.
Which will be more durable? Hard to say. Neither car has many accessories to go on the fritz. But neither feels all that solid, either. A Subaru Impreza is better in this regard. I'd say a lot comes down to how well you treat and maintain the car.
Before buying any of these I'd check with your insurance company to see what your rate will be.
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May 05 '05
6:15 am PDT
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Good review (Reply to this comment)
by hermy454
Good review, very informative.
I personally got to test drive an 05' srt -4 about a month ago, and i loved it, besides the shift ball falling off in my hand. As far as it being "juvenile" that's what it's supposed to be, the car is marketed towards people in their late teens and early twenties. Falling into that catagory I fully appriciate what mopar has done.
Also, I'm trying to decide between the srt-4 and a evo 8. I wanted to know which do you think is going to be more reliable and which felt faster. thanks
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May 04 '05
1:03 pm PDT
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