Performance Review: Dodge Neon 2.4 SRT-4 - [2002]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Dodge Neon Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Dodge Neon 2.4 SRT-4 is the 5 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 2002. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 2002 Ferrari Enzo 6.0 V12 and the 2002 Pagani Zonda C12 S 7.3.This particular Dodge Neon has a 2429cc Turbo Petrol powerplant with 4 cylinders in a St formation.

Alternative Petrol St4's includes the 2019 Ariel Atom 4 2.0 Turbo

The Neon shares its Petrol St4 engine configuration with the likes of the 2019 Ariel Atom 4 2.0 Turbo and the 2013 Caterham 7 620 R 2.0 L Supercharged. If you're looking for other fast cars which share the Neon's Front Wheel Drive, Saloon combination then how about the 2022 Volkswagen-VW Golf R Performance 2.0 Turbo or the 2020 Toyota Avalon TRD 3.5 V6.

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 1347 kgs (2969 lbs) this makes the Dodge Neon 2.4 SRT-4 in the same weight category as the 2021 Aston-Martin Valkyrie Coupe 6.5 V12 or the give or take 50kg.

The Dodge Neon shares the same bhp with the 2022 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Cabrio 2.0 Turbo (228 bhp)

In terms of power the 2429cc 16V St4 engine produces 215 bhp (160 kW) @ 5200 rpm similar to the 2022 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Cabrio 2.0 Turbo (228 bhp) or the 2020 Audi TT S Turbo 50 TFSI (225 bhp).

The Turbo St4 throws out 245 lb-ft (332.1 Nm) @ 3200 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2022 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Cabrio 2.0 Turbo (236 lb-ft) or the 2020 Toyota Camry TRD 3.5 V6 (267 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Dodge Neon you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 2006 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Type UK - Hawkeye (184.6 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Dodge Neon.

The Dodge Neon has a Power to weight ratio of 159.6 bhp per ton and 181.8 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2002 Neon competing with the 2006 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Type UK - Hawkeye (184.6 bhp per ton) or the 1970 Chevrolet Malibu 5.7 V8 Turbo Hydra-Matic (184.3 bhp per ton).

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance, Torque. Use weight as well and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Dodge Neon generating around 181.8 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other cars have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 2015 BMW 3 Series 340i F30 LCI (206.8 lb-ft per ton) or the 2012 Porsche Cayman S 3.4l (206.8 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 5.60 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 5.8 secs, this made the Dodge Neon 2.4 SRT-4 as fast as the 2022 Volkswagen-VW Arteon 2.0T AWD (5.60 secs) the 2022 Volkswagen-VW Arteon 2.0T (5.60 secs) the 2020 Maserati Ghibli GranSport Petrol Hybrid (5.60 secs) the or the 2019 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range (5.60 secs). This Dodge Neon 2.4 SRT-4 is also faster than the 2022 Hyundai i30 N Performance 2.0 Turbo (5.70 secs) the 2019 Ford Focus ST 2.3 EcoBoost Wagon (5.70 secs) the 2016 Volkswagen-VW Golf GTi 2.0 Turbo Clubsport (5.70 secs) the and the 2014 Abarth 695 Biposto 1.4 Turbo (5.70 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the Neon and the 1986 Ford Sierra RS Cosworth

When talking about the performance of the Dodge Neon on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 14.81 secs @ 92.4 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 1986 Ford Sierra RS Cosworth (14.74 secs), the 2006 Porsche Cayman 2.7 (14.74 secs), and the 1990 Ford Sierra Sapphire RS Cosworth 4x4 (14.74 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 2002 version of the Dodge Neon 2.4 SRT-4 has a maximum speed of 153mph.

Top Speed of the 2002 Neon equals the 1999 Porsche Boxster 3.2 S 260 (164 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 2002 Dodge Neon 2.4 SRT-4 then how about the 1999 Porsche Boxster 3.2 S 260 (164 mph), the 1977 Lamborghini Countach LP400S (164 mph), or the 1967 Ford GT 40 (164 mph).

Related Links:

2002 Neon Rivals List.

A Brief History of Dodge

Car Comparison