All depends what your going for, looks or performance. We all know the srt-4 is one ugly car but performs pretty damn good for the price. The protege is not as ugly and is an overall better package. If it was me, i'll save a little more and go for the mazda 6...one sweet looking car!

 

Definately SRT4.

 

I would go with the Mazda, if only for looks. Sure, the neon is fast, but its still a neon.

 

I like the way the Mazda6 looks as well but the way the rear lights bug out annoys the hell out of me. I guess that could be fixed with some aftermarket lights though...

 

I used to be the same way, but those lights grew on me.

 

Protege isn't as fast but definitely looks better.

 

Go for the Mazdaspeed - that thing handles among the ranks of Porsches and Vettes (standard slalom speeds over 70MPH!!!). To me, handling is far more important, especially for a new driver. Power can come with upgrades if you want and I'm sure that the Protege can be upgraded as much as the Neon can for similar cost/performance/etc in the future. I think the Protege makes for a much better starting platform though.
-N

 

Just be careful if you do... apparently the MSP has a weaker tranny than it should because of the parts-bin approach that Mazdaspeed had to take to keep cost down, so if you abuse it with upgraded power. Good-bye tranny. If you're lookin for a car to screw around in, the SRT might be a better buy.

Myself, I'd pick the MSP. Turning quickly is more fun for me than going straight quickly so for me the MSP is a better choice.

 

If you are insistent on getting a quick car for your first car, get the Mazdaspeed. I'm only 18, and still driving my Civic EX. Now, I hate having a slow car, and it isn't much fun, but I'm a much better driver for it. When you are stuck driving a low horsepower car, you have to compensate by driving it well. This applies even if you are drag racing. I watched my friend pull a full car length on a Mustang GT because he nailed his launch and shifted clean while the GT driver smoked his tires and looked dumb. He was driving a ZX3. Learn to drive on a slow, stock car, and move up as you feel you can't get any faster with what you have. Take baby steps, and when you get to an Evo, you can look forward to taking out Vettes

 

AHAHAHHAHAHAHHAH that is one FUNNY *** picture...!!

 

srt4-- there would be no choice

 

SRT4SRT4SRT4SRT4....I have already had one, and it was quick!! and a blast to drive, but I traded her in on an EVO.

 

Test drive them both, then buy the SRT4.... You'll be much happier with the SRT

 

Id agree, go drive the SRT-4 trust me that is all you need to do and your heart will tell you. It will be pounding S-R-T-4, S-R-T-4. Remember Dodge will be offering 3 performance packages with the factory warrenty! It doesn't get any better than that.

 

the neon is all or nothing

rental car, or race car. go with the srt-4.