On a day long Toronto-to-Ottawa backroads romp, I actually popped in some earplugs for self-preservation. The SRT4's engine vibrates like a belly dancer's navel, and is lumpy as porridge at idle. Then there's the interior.
Beyond the econobox basics inherited from the base car Neon/SX 2.0, this side of a SEMA stand, you won't find production seats with this much lateral bolstering. The side cushions are more like walls, and the bottom cushion is go-kart low. The leather-covered steering wheel is not an aesthetic beauty, but it's the right diameter and thickness. Proper placement of the brake and throttle pedals means downshifting won't have you dislocating your ankle. The only downside is the plasti-chrome shifter ball from the PT Cruiser that's too cold, too hotand just too darn slippery.
But fuhgeddaboutit that. Where the Dodge SRT4 really shines, and why its become an autocrossing fave, is its ability to handle the tightest of turns.
With maximum torque at a low 2,200 r.p.m., you need to restrain your right foot from squealing the front tires at every turn, or the SRT4 will smoke its front BFGs out of every corner, understeering into the nearest bushes at the same time. The Quaife limited-slip diff helps, but torque steer is inevitable. Even without the Competition Group Package ($975) with its tighter suspension and smaller diameter 225/45-16 BFG g-Force T/As instead of the standard 205/50R-17s, the SRT4 can hang with the best of them.
Admittedly, the Dodge SRT4 is for the hardcore. Its focus on performance means Dr. Jekyll never makes an appearance; it's all Mr. Hyde.
Not having to resort to runnin' shine to afford an SRT4, the rebel rousing Dodge SRT4 is something a modern, twenty-something good ol' boy would be w-a-a-y more interested in than his father's old muscle car.
- John LeBlanc is an automotive critic and publisher of www.straight-six.com
Just the facts...
Build quality 2/6
Features 2/6
Performance 6/6
Fun-to-drive 5/6
Overall value 5/6
Vehicle Type: Front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, sedan
Engine: DOHC, 2.4-litre, turbocharged I4,
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Horsepower: 230 @ 5,300 rpm
Torque: 250 lb.-ft.@ 2,200 rpm
Curb Weight: 1,315 kilograms
0 to 100 kms/hr: 5.6 seconds
Wheels/Tires: 17-inch alloy/205/50/17
Base price: $27,545
Optional Equipment: Kicker/SRT Livin' Loud Sound System ($975), Power sunroof ($795)
Price As Tested: $29.315
photo:John LeBlanc
 |
| 2005 Dodge SRT-4 (Photo: John LeBlanc, straight-six.com) |
But fuhgeddaboutit that. Where the Dodge SRT4 really shines, and why its become an autocrossing fave, is its ability to handle the tightest of turns.
 |
| 2005 Dodge SRT-4 (Photo: John LeBlanc, straight-six.com) |
Admittedly, the Dodge SRT4 is for the hardcore. Its focus on performance means Dr. Jekyll never makes an appearance; it's all Mr. Hyde.
Not having to resort to runnin' shine to afford an SRT4, the rebel rousing Dodge SRT4 is something a modern, twenty-something good ol' boy would be w-a-a-y more interested in than his father's old muscle car.
- John LeBlanc is an automotive critic and publisher of www.straight-six.com
Just the facts...
Build quality 2/6
Features 2/6
Performance 6/6
Fun-to-drive 5/6
Overall value 5/6
Vehicle Type: Front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, sedan
Engine: DOHC, 2.4-litre, turbocharged I4,
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Horsepower: 230 @ 5,300 rpm
Torque: 250 lb.-ft.@ 2,200 rpm
Curb Weight: 1,315 kilograms
0 to 100 kms/hr: 5.6 seconds
Wheels/Tires: 17-inch alloy/205/50/17
Base price: $27,545
Optional Equipment: Kicker/SRT Livin' Loud Sound System ($975), Power sunroof ($795)
Price As Tested: $29.315
photo:John LeBlanc
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