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Whats goin on guys/gals? well i've been looking at gettin into another car, i like the srt-4 and the mazdaspeed protoge. yes i kno the srt-4 is just a souped up neon, please dont flame. i test drove the protoge today and loved the interior and kenwood cd player and shifter, but the car didnt feel like it was that fast at all. last night i was at the local strip and one ran a 14.3 with boost controller, full 3" exhaust and intake. Also there was an srt-4 there, it ran a 14.4 stock. I love the seats in the srt-4 but i havent gotten a chance to test drive as there are none on the lots. Which do you like? I like the style and stereo of the Mazdaspeed, but the performance and the seats of the SRT-4. Help me out here.

 
Rep Power: 381

THe Protoge is the better handling of the two as well... at least untill the SRT-4 gets an LSD.

what are you planing to do with it racing wise?

If you just plan to drag race then the SRT-4 will probably be the better platform. if you plan on Racing on road courses or autocross, then the Protoge will probably be the better choice.......

mazdaspeed Protoge:
weight 2843lbs
Higher spring rates Vs Protoge
Larger Anti-roll bars, better wheels/tires..... Tokico shocks Standard!!!

SRT-4:
2970 lbs
No special shocks or springs to speak of
Just a lot of HP....

Conclushion: SRT-4 will probably win in a straight line, MazdaSpeed Protoge will probably win in the twistys....... Choose accordingly.

 
Rep Power: 286

srt4

 
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Mazda = more reliable, and as for engines, Ive heard of some pretty cool aftermarket stuff for that eninge, the 2.0L in the Mazdaspeed was designed, and is built by Callaway (See Callaway twin turbo vette), and there are some internall mods for that engine that put it way ahead of the dodge.

the mazdaspeed protege puts down slalom speeds of ferraris, so yeah, go mazdaspeed...

 
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its just a generic n/a protege motor with a turbo on it....if you want somethin to keep mostly stock..go msp....if you want to mod a lot go srt4.

 
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those Chrysler motors have been poping like bubblewrap when you put extra juice in them, and yes the protege motor IS designed by callaway, ite posted on thier site.

 
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i will mod, if it all goes as planned i should have about 2 grand to throw into it right away. It will be used as a daily driver but will also be taken to the drag strip probably once or twice a month.

 
Rep Power: 286

link me to where it says that....i hope they didnt tune the car too..because its got a serious hesitation issue that a lot of owners coimplain about


do not get the msp if your lookin for a car to mod a lot...you;ll be very disapointed

 
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i just think srt4 interior is wack. MazdaSpeed Protoge looks excellent. interior and exterior. sweet car

 
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Srt 4 For speed, Protege for handling, style and reliability...

 
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The neon is still an encono box. It is no sleeper, everyone knows what it is. MSP all the way

 
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I think the MazdaSpeed has a Ford engine much like the 6 but I would take it over the SRT-4 just because of the suspension. The only thing I didn't like about the Protoge was that it drops boost like a bad habbit...but still a funner car to drive.

And, nobody will call it a NEON over and over again by mistake...lol.

 
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if a neon is an econobox, whats a protege?

 
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Correct. Just as the SRT-4 is just a 'souped up' Neon, the Mazdaspeed Protege is just a 'souped up' Protege as well. And I'd say go with the SRT-4. The Mazdaspeed Protege has got to be one of the slowest piece of **** on wheels I've ever driven. After getting out of the car from a test drive, (thinking this car had 170 HP NA) I learned that it was turbocharged... At that point I was ready to throw up. Go with the SRT-4. No loser deserves to be humiliated by driving around in a Mazdaspeed Protege.

p.s. That "Mazdaspeed" badge on that car is an oxymoron.

 
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mazda is not more reliable. perhaps you should look at their ratings, they're not particularly stellar.

they make cool stuff for the SRT-4, also.

ever hear of MOPAR?

internal mods for the mazda 2.0 that put it way ahead of the stock dodge? NICE!

however the mazda has a lot more to it than straight line power, which seems to be what you're focusing on. it definitely has an excellent suspension, plus it looks pretty cool. the SRT-4 has its own quirky charm though, IMO

 
Rep Power: 378

MazSpeed

 
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If you check out the latest issue of Sport Compact Car, you'll find an article where they tear apart an SRT-4 engine and take a look at it. They say it's built like a tank and that Dodge designed it for durability instead of trying to shave off cost everywhere they could. Granted, that doesn't mean it'll last 200,000 miles... but you never know.

 
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This comparison cimply boils down to what you want to do

Drag: SRT-4

Autocross/Handling: Mazdaspeed

 
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Wait for the MazdaSpeed 6

 
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Neither Dodge neon enuf said. As for Mazda the protoge is being replaced by the mazda 3, wait it out a bit and see what else comes out.

 
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neither

 
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Well are you totally deicided on those two cars for the same price around 23000 you could buy a Subaru WRX its no STI but i would prefer that over the Mazda or dodge and its all wheel drive