Member of the Month

KilaTsunami
October, 2024

Online

Welcome to the Newschoolers forums! You may read the forums as a guest, however you must be a registered member to post. Register to become a member today!

Build a honda vs. buying SRT-4

profile picture
SkiGunstock547
Posts: 16 - Karma: 43
I'm a car guy and I don't know what to buy. I've had a couple of friends who've owned stratuses neons etc and said they were all shit. however none of those were an SRT4. Being a former integra owner, I know a bit about hondas, and builting them etc. My integra was reliable as the day it was new. So I'm stuck and I figured why not ask NS's opinion.
Apr 21 2013 12:38PM
34 13
profile picture
gotti
Posts: 4269 - Karma: 4,550
Get a Subaru
Apr 21 2013 12:44PM
9 0
profile picture
hippy.
Posts: 3106 - Karma: 14,364
Well I think neons are not the prettiest car, but may I reccomend buying a 1996-2005 WRX reliable and fast! Great for snow and easily moddable
Apr 21 2013 12:45PM
1 0
profile picture
CrotchKiller
Posts: 9037 - Karma: 6,943
I have never disliked a car more then the neon. Srt-4's are fast but so ugly
Apr 21 2013 12:48PM
3 0
profile picture
SPskier543
Posts: 2413 - Karma: 324
Neither. Get a real car, build up and e30 or something actually cool and not riced out to the max.
Apr 21 2013 12:49PM
2 2
profile picture
SkiGunstock547
Posts: 16 - Karma: 43
I agree that the neons are pretty ugly, yet fast. I'm more of a function over form person. I like subaru's except for the drivetrain loss with AWD and the fact that they're difficult to work on. I wouldn't mind a Beemer but my wallet sure would
Apr 21 2013 12:52PM
2 0
profile picture
hippy.
Posts: 3106 - Karma: 14,364
I know how you are my friend is exactly like you!! Just get a little of both Subaru is fast and sexy!!
Apr 21 2013 12:54PM
0 0
profile picture
.AR6rider.
Posts: 15976 - Karma: 8,799
"Rice" is typically used to describe a car that is all show and no go. What did OP possibly post to give you impression he was building a ricer, other than the fact that one of the cars he mentioned is Japanese? Idiot. SRT4s, while ugly, can be pretty damn capable cars, and they sound awesome.
Apr 21 2013 12:55PM
2 5
profile picture
yuck
Posts: 8384 - Karma: 2,090
such a classic ns comment
Apr 21 2013 12:57PM
2 0
profile picture
SkiGunstock547
Posts: 16 - Karma: 43
I've heard that handling is really good on the SRT4's and WRX's though of course on a honda you'd have to build that up from stock. Can anyone back me up on this? Not 100% certain
Apr 21 2013 12:58PM
0 0
profile picture
hippy.
Posts: 3106 - Karma: 14,364
You're 100% correct
Apr 21 2013 12:59PM
1 0
profile picture
SkiGunstock547
Posts: 16 - Karma: 43
Only thing i've really worried about with the srt4 is that it's a dodge neon. I know the previous gen's were piles of shit and any dodge stratus just literally falls apart.
Apr 21 2013 1:11PM
0 0
profile picture
BertBoyd
Posts: 734 - Karma: 2,253
go for a wrx instead
Apr 21 2013 1:12PM
2 0
profile picture
churchill
Posts: 131 - Karma: 17
Never driven a srt4, but it seems to be a matter of really fast in a straight line vs. quick in the corners with a honda/acura done up right. An rsx is one hell of a little car, so give that a thought for sure.
Apr 21 2013 1:35PM
0 0
profile picture
daannnnieel
Posts: 5163 - Karma: 4,293
I've been told that acura rsx's are really nice, fun, good looking cars. SRT-4's are neat, and sound amazing but I would prefer a nsx.
Apr 21 2013 1:38PM
0 0
profile picture
churchill
Posts: 131 - Karma: 17
wouldn't we all
Apr 21 2013 1:40PM
2 0
profile picture
cbj
Posts: 2114 - Karma: 1,136
Import a Civic SiR or Prelude Type S or Integra Type R from Japan, and build it like the top fuel Integras.
Apr 21 2013 1:45PM
0 0
profile picture
japanada
Posts: 13784 - Karma: 1,957
I have a buddy with a srt4, wicked fast! Especially at highway speeds. From a dig my buddies modded STI takes it, but after 50-100 feet the white skittle BLOWS past and its isnt a race. Granted he has a upgraded turbo, intercooler, top end along with all the supporting mods. Pushing about 425 to the front wheels. Torque steer is a prob, but youll get that in all fwd cars.
Apr 21 2013 1:49PM
0 0
profile picture
cbj
Posts: 2114 - Karma: 1,136
But it's still a neon...

Honda because VTEC just kicked in yo BWASAHHHHHHHHHH
Apr 21 2013 1:50PM
0 0
profile picture
.AR6rider.
Posts: 15976 - Karma: 8,799
...and an Sti is still just an Impreza. And an Evo is still just a Lancer. And an R32 is still just a Rabbit. Etc, etc
Apr 21 2013 1:55PM
0 0
profile picture
cbj
Posts: 2114 - Karma: 1,136
You can't compare a dodge neon to those. Those cars are tight, if you saw a neon on the street you wouldn't care. If you saw an EVO or STI you would probably pay attention
Apr 21 2013 1:56PM
0 0
profile picture
skia4life89
Posts: 2400 - Karma: 172
Does not matter because at the end of the day your taking a fuel economy car and trying to make it a race car. Not pimp.
Apr 21 2013 1:59PM
0 0
profile picture
Jblz
Posts: 556 - Karma: 206
Click for larger image

Click for larger image

Apr 21 2013 2:02PM
0 0
profile picture
japanada
Posts: 13784 - Karma: 1,957
And your point is??? His looked sick, rode sick, was fast and well built. Lowered, got rid of the wing, powder coated black wheels on a nice clean white body and it was beeeautiful. Im a car guy, normally not a fan of neons, but his was done right.
Apr 21 2013 2:03PM
0 0
profile picture
.AR6rider.
Posts: 15976 - Karma: 8,799
Would you pay attention if a 2.5RS drove by? Comparing a base Neon to an SRT4 is like comparing that to an STI. Don't be stupid.
Apr 21 2013 2:05PM
2 1
profile picture
Jblz
Posts: 556 - Karma: 206
this has got to be the worst argument ive ever read

if selena gomez walked by and you didnt pay attention, would you be gay?
Apr 21 2013 2:08PM
1 0
profile picture
japanada
Posts: 13784 - Karma: 1,957
Quoted and upvoted for emphasis. Plenty of examples like the ones listed, also see audi a4/6 and audi s4/6, impala and the SS version (the original), grand cherokee and the SRT8 versions, hell the whole SRT family for that matter.
Apr 21 2013 2:11PM
1 0
profile picture
Joebin
Posts: 1664 - Karma: 867
DO NOT get an srt4. A couple of my friends have had them and they were fun until about 80-100k miles and then they blow to shit. They used the same engine that the turbo PT cruisers used (which was shit to begin with) except they have them pushing more HP on the same internals making them even less reliable. If youre familiar with honda's go with that.
Apr 21 2013 2:13PM
0 0
profile picture
SPskier543
Posts: 2413 - Karma: 324
Maybe i jumped the gun a bit, but from my experience, the "built" honda type group that ive encountered tends to care more about how loud they can get their exhaust to be and how dark their windows are. Thats why I connected the 2 immediately. I would much rather prefer a rwd car like an e30 with maybe an m50/52 or s50/52 swap that could probably be done on a similar budget as building a honda (maybe not the s series motor though). Just my opinion.
Apr 21 2013 2:29PM
1 0
profile picture
Horsefacekillah
Posts: 867 - Karma: 878
[URL=http://media.photobucket.com/user/jrbug_photos/media/no.jpg.html]Click for larger image[/URL]
Apr 21 2013 2:30PM
0 0
profile picture
t-roy
Posts: 4041 - Karma: 52
As long as it is fun to drive and doesn't break the bank, then I wouldn't be worried about what other people think of the car.
Apr 21 2013 2:50PM
0 0
profile picture
Joebin
Posts: 1664 - Karma: 867
Just bought an 87 325IS for a mild skid build. Great car, awesome aftermarket support, but I wouldnt recommend it for a first car to build though.
Apr 21 2013 2:59PM
0 0
profile picture
KrazyistKarl
Posts: 1725 - Karma: 599
cold air intake, exhaust tip and a painted valve cover isn't building a car. Probably what OP has in mind for his Honda.
Apr 21 2013 3:07PM
0 0
profile picture
japanada
Posts: 13784 - Karma: 1,957
Buy a $2000 civic with a blown engine, dump 4k into a new engine, boost, tune ect. Then you have suspension, wheels, exhaust, ect, lets say that is another 2k on the low end and youre already at 8k and you still have a pretty basic build. Youre already at or past srt4 prices, a car that is much more 'race' ready imo. Not to mention it looks better and has a 100xs better interior
Apr 21 2013 3:14PM
1 0
profile picture
Joebin
Posts: 1664 - Karma: 867
Ahh and then we get into the built over bought argument. I was under the impression hes going to be doing work to both?
Apr 21 2013 3:18PM
0 0
profile picture
cbj
Posts: 2114 - Karma: 1,136
Just saying, I would rather own a Honda than an SRT-4. Sure the SRT-4 is fast but it has cloth seats, 4 doors and has (IMO) the ugliest looking headlights ever. Don't get me wrong, there are some sedans which look very good, example being an Impreza. But the look of a coupe (IMO) is just more streamlined. You can make any at fast. But some cars are a better starting point for the aesthetics.

I'm sure AR6 is going to quote some part of this and say I'm wrong, but the point still stands that a Honda done up will look better to me than an SRT-4 done up any day.
Apr 21 2013 3:18PM
0 0
profile picture
japanada
Posts: 13784 - Karma: 1,957
Very fair point! My point is the srt is better equipped from the factory either in its stock form, or if you want to build it up. Stronger trans, stronger axel with a limited slip. The stock block can do 450+hp safety if you are building and tuning it right.
Apr 21 2013 3:26PM
0 0
profile picture
cbj
Posts: 2114 - Karma: 1,136
You're totally generalizing all Hondas here. What kind of Honda are you talking about?
Apr 21 2013 3:28PM
0 0
profile picture
Dirty.Harry.
Posts: 1779 - Karma: 351
Both of those options aren't particularly pleasing cars IMO. Maybe a 5th gen Prelude, but never a Chrysler vehicle. Their quality is shit. A mid-late 90s Impreza with a swapped WRX or TS engine may be a good option (I've seen a couple and they were fast). Good option for a fast car that doesn't quite look the part.
Apr 21 2013 3:30PM
0 0
profile picture
japanada
Posts: 13784 - Karma: 1,957
CRVs and Pilots obv.


Ive seen civics blow axles, transmissions, even rip control mounts off the frame from having simple mods. I just think a SRT has 'higher' quality components from the factory. The SRT isnt gods gift to cheap racing, but I feel its a better platform to start with than a civic/accord. Plus I love sedans and am not a big fan of coupes.
Apr 21 2013 3:36PM
0 0
profile picture
cbj
Posts: 2114 - Karma: 1,136
Fair enough. Opinion is opinion I guess, it all comes down to how you feel driving it. I drove my Aunt's SRT-4 and it was alright. It just didn't feel like I was driving a true performance car.

On the other hand, I drive a prelude, and I love it. Sure it's not nearly as fast but it just feels so light and feels more like a performance car.

To each their own though... Opinions are opinions.
Apr 21 2013 3:39PM
0 0
profile picture
Ribss.
Posts: 3442 - Karma: 3,344
This, I know cheap speed is appealing bu dont fall for the rice cans, save up for an e30, a 2.5 RS, or an audi.
Apr 21 2013 3:44PM
0 0
profile picture
SPskier543
Posts: 2413 - Karma: 324

Nice. Im in search of roller with no/blown engine to do a swap with hopefully this summer. Probably with an m52 motor, but hopefully i can find an s50 cheap.

This video is my motivation: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxdbIdM_xAs

Apr 21 2013 3:46PM
0 0
profile picture
.AR6rider.
Posts: 15976 - Karma: 8,799
You're entitled to your own opinion, and I never said you were wrong. I just think your argument that "it's just a Neon" is fucking stupid, because, as I pointed out earlier, it's as much a Neon as an STI is a 2.5RS, or an Evo is a base model Lancer. Nowhere in any of my posts did I hate on Honda. I think well-done Hondas that aren't just riced out and actually have some performance tucked under the hood are awesome. I also think that the SRT-4 is a great car for what it is, which is a turbo 4-banger sedan marketed toward younger people who want cheap power. Yes, most of us would rather have a clean E30 with an engine swap or a built STI; however, that's NOT what the OP was asking, so recommending him a WRX or BMW is pointless. He wanted to know about a Honda vs an SRT-4.

Here are some pictures for everyone's time:

Click for larger image
Click for larger image
Click for larger image
Click for larger image
Click for larger image
Click for larger image

Apr 21 2013 4:00PM
0 1
profile picture
cbj
Posts: 2114 - Karma: 1,136
^ there is a difference between "it's JUST a neon" and "it's STILL a neon". I wasn't saying its just another neon, I was making reference to that it still is a neon in its body structure and aesthetics.

Btw that SRT-4 is not bad. Eyelids make a world of a difference haha.
Apr 21 2013 4:16PM
0 0
profile picture
japanada
Posts: 13784 - Karma: 1,957
late 90s to early 2000s hondas can and do look nice when the time, money and knowledge is put into them. I forgot about the civic hatch, those can be some sexy monsters.
Apr 21 2013 4:18PM
0 0
profile picture
Titus69
Posts: 9329 - Karma: 17,816
depending on your budget id say either a mitsubishi evo or a wrx/sti
Apr 21 2013 9:44PM
0 2
profile picture
SPskier543
Posts: 2413 - Karma: 324
Probably should just go with a lambo, no? An sti or evo is in a totally different price range then a Honda or Srt4 lol
Apr 21 2013 9:48PM
0 0
profile picture
Dirty.Harry.
Posts: 1779 - Karma: 351
Hah and I think there's a reason for that...
Apr 21 2013 11:07PM
0 0
profile picture
Joebin
Posts: 1664 - Karma: 867
Not gonna lie Im not crazy about e30's. My first drift car was a missile cressida that I did a w58 5 speed and 7mge engine swap from a MIII supra (same platform so everything bolted right up). But Thursday night an ad popped up on craigslist for it and I called the dude up. Some good ol' boy from out in the sticks and drove 2 hours away to take a look cause he had it listed super cheap. Got there found it had a brand new head, working power accessories, only a couple spots of rust and got it for $900. It had an oil leak so I had to replace the oil pan gasket, but other than that it runs like a top. Still havent decided if I want to build it or sell/trade for a 240 or AE86 yet though.
Apr 22 2013 12:29AM
0 0
All times are Eastern (-5)