As the title says, I am very close to trading in the focus for an srt-4. I feel that I need more performance from a car and also want to compete with my buddy ('02 WRX). What other cars do you think would be in the catergory of the srt-4 and WRX as far as performance?

MUSTANG!!!!

If your looking around the under 30K category: EVO RS, Mustange GT, SRT-4, WRX, MazdaSpeed Miata, 350Z, and RX-8(handling wise).
If you want around little over 30K: used Cobra, EVO/EVO MR, STI, and 350Z(different version)

You can find brand new STi's for under $30,000 you just got to be a good haggler. i got mine for under that with a short shifter, upgraded security, turbo gauge, and auto dimming mirror. Please don't go with SRT-4 as many have gotten rid of their cars after a year realizing that a fast engine isn't the only thing a car needs. EVO's are nice as well but a very stiff ride (not as thought the STi isn't hehe). Stangs are bad as all hell . I miss my stang sometimes.

apparantly SRT-4 suspensions are crap, too soft.

A little work on a used SVT and you could have a WRX killer. Mustang GT will have the grunt, but i'm not sure about cornering a heavy car with a solid rear axle.

when will ford learn to stop using solid rear axles anyway?

the tires on the srt-4's are crap too....my buddy has a srt-4 and has had it for no longer than 6 months and his rear tires are already worn out....you could always import a new Focus RS[;)]

Originally posted by focusonthefocus
when will ford learn to stop using solid rear axles anyway?

The reason Ford keeps the solid rear on the Mustang is because that is what Mustang owners want. Ford surveyed a ton of people asking what they would want to keep and things they would want to change on the Mustang. Number one on the things to keep was the axle. Personally I wish Ford would offer a Solid rear or an All wheel drive option for the Mustang so that people up in the North could drive during the winter safely. i know it will never happen but at least the option to do so would be nice.

Originally posted by focusonthefocus
when will ford learn to stop using solid rear axles anyway?

In a car, solid rear axles are better in a quarter mile than IRS... they are stronger and plant the power better. In a truck, solid axles are better for hauling... trucks are also meant to drive like a truck, not a car! However, solid rear axles don't matter much to me anymore... at least Ford is the only one keeping the Solid Front Axle! [thumb]

If I wanted to keep up with a WRX, I'd probably get a WRX or Legacy... don't get the Neon SRT-4, you won't get a great trade in if you regret the purchase.

Go with a new mustang GT. Not only will they keep up but imo they look much better than most other cars. I would trade mine in a heartbeat for a new GT if I didn't still owe so much on it. They wouldn't give me crap for a trade in.

Congrats man. If you can afford a WRX or a Neon you can afford a lot of cool cars. There's a lot of used options in that price range. Here's some used cars with similar or better performance. A lot of them cost less too!
Evolution
S2000
Supra
RX7
Cobra
WS6
M3
Corvette
350 z
300 z
Saturn Ion Redline
Stealth/3000GT
Audi TT
Mitsubishi Starion/ Chrysler Conquest
Camaro SS
Dodge Spirit
Dodge Omni
If all you're worried about is hanging with your friend why don't you just buy a project car and build it? It will cost a lot less in the end.

Originally posted by svtash1
I would trade mine in a heartbeat for a new GT if I didn't still owe so much on it. They wouldn't give me crap for a trade in.

Ain't that the truth. I bit the bullet on my 2003 Focus. It depreciatted 50% in a year and a half and only 13,000 miles.

05 Acura RSX 210 HP for 24K... Go on a tropical vacation with what you save!

Although its a nice neon, its still a neon man, thats how I feel.

Well I was only looking to spend around 18k so some of the cars you guys mentioned are out of the question. I would get a "project car" but I don't have the time it takes to put into it and I don't have any local shops to do it. I was looking at the SRT-4 because it's one of the best "bang for buck" cars out there and next year when I get back from my deployment, I will have all kinds of money to put into the trouble areas i.e. suspension, tires, etc...

Thanks for the input guys. Keep it coming.

Originally posted by faultlessfocus
Although its a nice neon, its still a neon man, thats how I feel.

The only thing "neon" about it is the name which most ppl don't even refer to it as. Compare the cars and you'll notice a more differences besides the turbo.

The 2004 Mustang GT is on sale right now for around $18,000. It doesn't have the new body style, but there's already tons of aftermarket for it and it'll take most cars on straights and twisties if you can drive it well.

something to think about.

What dealership you going to, to find an 04 GT for 18,000 down here there still going for about 24,000

all our dealerships here have them for $18,000. They're practically giving them away because they have no room for the 2005 since people didn't buy the 2004 anticipating the 2005. Go and act interested in the 2005 and see if they'll give you a deal to take an 04. There's seriously like a $5,000-$6,000 factory rebate on them right now. I know because I'm ordering an 05 and they tried to sell me the 04.