A little background: I drive a 1998 Plymouth Neon Expresso with a 2.0L DOHC. Before you laugh, it still gets 31 mpg and saves me more than $75/week over driving either my truck or the Bonnie.

While I was getting my oil changed yesterday (yes, I'm lazy), I test drove a 2003 Dodge Neon SXT 2.0 SOHC, since we're looking at getting a second Neon. I LOVED the looks, the braking reaction, and the tight turning radius. I didn't like the looser steering than mine, and here'* the kicker: IT HAD LESS PICKUP THAN MY 98.

Am I completely wrong in thinking that that dual cam in mine doesn't make that much difference, or did I just test drive an unusually sluggish one?

Let'* just ban her and get it over with.

We still have RJolly as our original black sheep.

Hey, I'm stuck in a Neon unless you wanna drive out here and put all the new stuff in ye olde Bonn. Carb, lifters, intake, timing chain, tires, camshaft...

Yes, your DOHC Neon is way quicker on acceleration. Here are some specs.

Your Neon
150HP and 131 ft/lbs torque

Newer Neons
132HP and 130 ft/lbd torque

Awesome, and thanks! Where'd you find those figures?

Seems like you've already made up your mind, but have you tried a Pontiac G6? You'll like it.

Consumer guide.

Thought briefly about it, but haven't known anyone with one so I can get an opinion on them.
Spiffy, thanks a bunch!

I still have to wonder WHY that makes such a huge difference, though.

Because..it'* roughly 6-7%

I could have worded that better.

I was wondering why it'd make such a huge difference on the low speed pick up. I mean, it was rather noticeable. I didn't actually mean a huge difference horsepower-wise. You don't buy a Neon for horsepower...