Rep Power: 433

Cheap cars that go fast. That's the premise behind every car in this test. It seems simple enough, but despite the fact that such a concept spawned the entire muscle car era of the 1960s, automakers are just now "rediscovering" the idea and once again building affordable cars that deliver serious performance.

Unlike their ancestors, these modern-day hot rods sport half the cylinders, a third less weight and sophisticated computers to keep everything in check. Based on inexpensive economy cars, they're small in stature, but big on fun.

Just last year we conducted this test with all the major players at the time and came away impressed with just how much performance you can get for around $20,000. Nissan's Sentra SE-R Spec V took first place for its blend of sizzling performance and a rock-bottom price. Barely a year later, competition in the segment has heated up thanks to the in-house tuning divisions of Dodge, Ford and Mazda.

Dodge's Performance Vehicle Operations (PVO) took the Neon and transformed it into a turbocharged terror renamed the SRT-4. Ford's Special Vehicle Team (SVT) added two doors to its already hot Focus coupe to create the four-door SVT Focus. And finally, Mazda's Mazdaspeed division created the Mazdaspeed Protegé complete with a turbo engine and an equally powerful sound system.

We pitted all four against each other in a classic sport sedan showdown. Their performance aspirations demanded more than just a few runs to the grocery store, so we took them out to the Streets of Willow road course in the high desert of California for some serious flogging. Hot summer temperatures kept the cars from turning record times, but they still proved themselves worthy of their performance car status.

In the end, one car stood out among the four as the clear-cut winner, but considering that each of the cars cost just $20,000, even the second, third and last-place finisher represents a performance bargain.

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Fourth Place - 2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V



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Ups: Rocket off the line, goes right where you point it, low sticker price.

Downs: Clunky shifter, short gears require constant shifts, useless rear seat.

The Bottom Line: Great low-end power and a well-tuned suspension make it a blast to drive, but faster and more refined competitors make it feel old.

MSRP of Test Vehicle: $19,066 (including destination charge)

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Third Place - 2003 Ford SVT Focus


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Ups: Predictable handling makes it easy to drive fast, suspension still soft enough for daily driving, spacious interior, useful auxiliary gauges, flexible cargo space.

Downs: Engine lacks snap, vague shifter.

The Bottom Line: A solid, well-rounded performer that would make a great daily driver, but it lacks the speed and the styling necessary to take top honors in this group.

MSRP of Test Vehicle: $20,755 (including destination charge)

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Second Place - 2003 Mazdaspeed Protegé


Ups: Handles like it costs thousands more, precise steering, turbo lag rarely a problem, high-quality interior, powerful sound system.

Downs: Doesn't have the power to match the SRT-4, suspension feels homegrown, stereo too complicated to be enjoyed.

The Bottom Line: Its newfound turbo power makes this sharp handler a winner, but with the SRT-4 around, it's going to need another turbo just to keep up.

MSRP of Test Vehicle: $20,500 (including destination charge)

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First Place - 2003 Dodge SRT-4


Ups: More power than a $20K car has any business having, near perfect suspension tuning, throaty exhaust snarl, serious seat bolstering.

Downs: Cheapo interior, Neon baggage.

The Bottom Line: A ridiculously fast econobox with the suspension to back it up, the SRT is undeniably the most performance you can buy for $20K.

MSRP of Test Vehicle: $19,995 (including destination charge)

once again. srt4 owns all
but thier inteiror really does suck

 
Rep Power: 0

dont like dodges that mutch, but that mazda looks good ^^

 
Rep Power: 0

would take the srt-4 juss for speed... protege for looks...

 
Rep Power: 0

Mazdaspeed Protegé with the speed of the SRT-4 = I would buy.

 
Rep Power: 363

yep ... I like the Neon's shift **** though. Alum. ball ... like my razo

best **** = is300! ... small ball

 
Rep Power: 397

Figures the NEON would win....Its pretty quick and all but its still a crappy chrysler