QUOTE (firstgencrxsi @ Jul 2 2005, 05:38 PM)
Am I the only true automotive enthusiast here?
Agreed. Why is it that most people cannot appreciate a wide variety of cars? The 80's were a lackluster time to be a newer car enthusiast (I am being realistic here, even if it ruffles some feathers on this 80's dedicated board, and two of my three vehicles were built in the 80's). We are living in a golden age when it comes to automobile quality and performance, and a suprising number of people seem to take it for granted, or even worse find it offensive in some way. If I were willing to go into debt for car ownership the decision on which car I would purchase would be an agonizing one. Even the short list of likely candidates seems to go on for ever, and that list does include the SRT-4.
The SRT-4 is an exceptional value as a car generally and an even better bargain considering its extrodinary performance, both in a straight line and on the race track. For proof, refer to recent issues of GRM and there efforts with an SRT-4 in the auto-x arena. Additionally, the Neon was not exactly a slouch prior to the release of the SRT-4 version. The ACR version dominated in its respective class when new.
I guess the point is that I would like to see more people open their eyes to the possibilities out there. There is a strong chance that dramatically increasing fuel costs will yet again cut into the overall performance being offered in vehicles, let alone the inevitable replacement of the standard internal combustion engine with hybrids and alternate fueled vehicles. When that happens, we will all be reminiscing about the 'good ole days' just like our parents (and grandparents?) do about the performance cars of the 60's. Enjoy it while it lasts!