[guardianangel3290]

Originally Posted by Xaeryan

Coming from my SRT-4 with Stage 2 (265 hp / 280 tq) and a full 3" exhaust, I was a bit disappointed with my 135i acceleration in comparison. The SRT-4 pulls like a raped ape, stronger and stronger till the revs cut. Even after a performance exhaust and fiddling with the TMAP sensor () the BMW doesn't have as strong of pull, and feels very soft up top. The advantages the BMW does have are a.) traction (RWD is far superior here) and b.) better low end-torque (the SRT-4 is a large 4 cylinder powering a single turbo bigger than the little tiny turbos our BMWs have, so there is some lag until around 2k RPM).
Performance exhausts for the SRT make tons of power, as do performance intercoolers on these cars (far more than *35i equivalents).
.

Your seriously comparing the power levels of a modded srt-4 to a stock 135i? Put the same mods on each car and see which is faster at the strip. The rest of the camparisons (save for the "comfort" statement) seems pretty spot on, but to declare the (modded) srt-4 more powerful than the 1er seems like a wildly uneven conclusion.

[Yes2m3cs]

I had a brand new 2004 SRT-4 back in the day and I actually liked it alot. It was a blast to drive but I ultimately sold it and bought a 2003 Cobra which I loved

I never had any problems with the SRT-4 but all I added was a cold air kit and short throw shifter..

Good Luck with the Divorce Man, I know that game

Brian

[Xaeryan]

Originally Posted by guardianangel3290

Your seriously comparing the power levels of a modded srt-4 to a stock 135i? Put the same mods on each car and see which is faster at the strip. The rest of the camparisons (save for the "comfort" statement) seems pretty spot on, but to declare the (modded) srt-4 more powerful than the 1er seems like a wildly uneven conclusion.

Understandable, it's not fair to compare (mildly) modded to stock, but I wasn't trying to compare them as much as just expressing that I was disappointed with the acceleration upon getting used to a faster car... But I think you may have missed this part, also

Even after a performance exhaust and fiddling with the TMAP sensor () the BMW doesn't have as strong of pull, and feels very soft up top.

The SRT-4 has an exhaust and increased boost (injectors, sensors, WGA are simply supplements to do this safely, the computer does all the boost tweaking). The BMW has an exhaust and increased boost (SSTT - only a week old, so it *may* still be adapting). Yes, the 135i would definitely beat it at the track or at any stoplight because as I mentioned it has far better traction than the SRT. It's a cakewalk to launch the BMW comared to the SRT, and I love that about the BMW (see down below). It'd be thru 60 foot before I could even get the SRT to hook. But what I'm saying is in "driving" the car, the SRT feels more powerful if you decide to exercise its muscles. It probably comes down to a difference in powerbands (the BMW delivers smooth, effortless low end torque that fools you into a lull while the SRT delivers explosive build-ups of power) combined with the fact that the SRT-4 is lighter and may have a slightly better power-to-weight ratio even with slightly less power. The gap has closed with my current state of tunes, and I'm happier with the BMWs power now.

I do have to mention something else I thought of which is why I came back here to this post again to add; the BMW is effortless in delivering torque. It seems that no matter your throttle position, the BMW has torque on tap. The SRT-4 was a horrible On-Off switch stock, and even with Stage2 which introduces more part-throttle boost, it still seems On-Off in its delivery. Either you floor it and it goes like hell, or you give it less than < 90% throttle and it feels like a naturally aspirated 4-cylinder (probably why the better city MPG).
So subtract a few points from... comfort I guess? or maybe refinement? or power?

[Xaeryan]

Hmmm, seems I keep thinking of other things that are important:
Safety: 135i The Neons in general don't have the best crash test ratings, in particular the front driver knee/leg area is heavily compromised in crashes. I wouldn't want to wreck mine, I've seen pics of what happens to them.
By far I feel safer in the 135i, even though i havent seen crash ratings yet, what with its 4 more airbags and more thought to safety in all areas.

Price: SRT-4 Yes, SRT-4 parts are cheaper, but I was actually surprised at the reasonable aftermarket parts prices from BMW themselves... well, NOT from your local dealer (bring lube if you try to get them here), but from Dan over at United. $880 shipped for a catback (sorta) exhaust is a really good price! And 1200 for 4 springs, shocks, and 2 swaybars (1 for those with sport package) is a great price too! I know it's a mild kit, but look at, say Dinan's prices for an equivalent package. Yeah yeah, slightly more performance, but they're the same parts, no?

[blklacker]

If your in that market..Instead of a used SRT-4.... I would have to recommend a Used SS cobalt, a Used Z , used STI, Used Evo, Used GTI.... The interior of dodge vehicles from my experience hasn't been pretty...

[TSM330i]

OP: I saw you're going through a divorce, which most people here has ignored. I'm guessing this post would have never occured if you wouldn't be getting a divorce.

That being said: The SRT-4 seems to be a good choice for you. Especially since you know the owner.

Sucks dude. Your 330 looks really good.

[11Past9]

These comments make me sick. The BMW fanboi crowd is ridiculous and ignorant. I bet NONE of you have any experience with this car. It is hands down one of the most fun and best bang for buck cars that I have ever driven.

-04-05 Models had a Quaife LSD stock

-0.94g with Mopar S2 coilovers, Hotchkis sways only $1200.00 NEW

-60-0 mph braking in 114ft after 3 passes, no fade

-Viper seats

-230whp/250wtq stock and weighing in at 2870lbs

-Its 2.4L has made over 500whp on stock internals and stock transmission

-Stock clutch can hold about 325whp

-A friend of mine made 256whp/302wtq with only these mods
AGP Waste Gate Actuator @ 20psi $145.00 NEW
CTA TBE $375.00 NEW

and ran a 13.00 @ 107mph with stock BFG G-Force T/A KDWs 205's

They are rock solid reliable, I did most of the work with him to his car after he got rid of the stock turbo he made 501whp with a GT30r on race gas. These cars are potent, handle well and can take a beating. They are fun, cheap and fast I suggest you look into them. If you have any questions don't hesitate to PM me, I can help.

Do yourself a favor and ignore these ridiculous statements from insecure motorists who find in the list of pre-reqs of what car they should buy: "Must have the approval of those around me"

If you enjoy a solid all around fun car and are secure enough in your enthusiasm for a good car then these are a great buy. However if you live in New Jersey, have a blow out hair cut, orange tan, waxed eyebrows, pointy shoes and a guido slut girlfriend I'd suggest you'd walk away.

Overall the SRT-4 crowd is loaded with a bunch of douche bags but that doesn't mean you have to hang out with them. After all the SRT-4 AND 3-Series BMW where BOTH on the top 10 douche bag cars list. So what.

[guardianangel3290]

Originally Posted by 11Past9

These comments make me sick. The BMW fanboi crowd is ridiculous and ignorant. I bet NONE of you have any experience with this car. It is hands down one of the most fun and best bang for buck cars that I have ever driven.

-04-05 Models had a Quaife LSD stock

-0.94g with Mopar S2 coilovers, Hotchkis sways only $1200.00 NEW

-60-0 mph braking in 114ft after 3 passes, no fade

-Viper seats

-230whp/250wtq stock and weighing in at 2870lbs

-Its 2.4L has made over 500whp on stock internals and stock transmission

-Stock clutch can hold about 325whp

-A friend of mine made 256whp/302wtq with only these mods
AGP Waste Gate Actuator @ 20psi $145.00 NEW
CTA TBE $375.00 NEW

and ran a 13.00 @ 107mph with stock BFG G-Force T/A KDWs 205's

They are rock solid reliable, I did most of the work with him to his car after he got rid of the stock turbo he made 501whp with a GT30r on race gas. These cars are potent, handle well and can take a beating. They are fun, cheap and fast I suggest you look into them. If you have any questions don't hesitate to PM me, I can help.

Do yourself a favor and ignore these ridiculous statements from insecure motorists who find in the list of pre-reqs of what car they should buy: "Must have the approval of those around me"

If you enjoy a solid all around fun car and are secure enough in your enthusiasm for a good car then these are a great buy. However if you live in New Jersey, have a blow out hair cut, orange tan, waxed eyebrows, pointy shoes and a guido slut girlfriend I'd suggest you'd walk away.

Overall the SRT-4 crowd is loaded with a bunch of douche bags but that doesn't mean you have to hang out with them. After all the SRT-4 AND 3-Series BMW where BOTH on the top 10 douche bag cars list. So what.

My best friend owns the second fastest SRT-4 in NM, and while it is a fast little car, the overall build quality seems questionable. Its loud, rough and feels somewhat unsafe.

There is no arguement that with enough elbow grease these cars can be turn into beasts. But there is also no arguement that moving from an E90 to a SRT is somewhat of a downgrade.

My main beef with the dodge is the boy-racer crowd which seems to so desperate to defend their honor by racing anything that pulls away from a stop light faster than themselves. In my opinion, the SRT-4 is less than desireable becasue it is built for the soul purpose of going fast in a straight line. Now, while it can be modified for track purposes, which ANY car can with enough time and money mind you, it is less than stellar in stock form.

For an over all bang for the buck weekend warrior, the SRT is a viable option. As you stated its cheap, reliable(?), tuner friendly and you dont have to pay the unreal premium on performance mods which BMW owners do. But, and this is a big but, along with its checklist of positives, the SRT-4 will always suffer from shakes, rattles, road noise and never-ending revs from Civics.

[mtla4]

I would....sorry the 330I doesnt do anything for me...same for the 128,328.(I have a lot of 330,128 that are turning their cars to canyons carvers)Personally I'd rather drive a mazdaspeed3, srt4 over a status symbol.
I'm an adrenaline junkie and the SRT-4 will not be a downgrade just a different experience. You should look at the Civic SI or RSX-S. I had two of those and I miss the feel and sound of VTEC kicking in. Throw some headers+hondata+exhaust and you'll forget your divorce. That was my relief when I had some anger or had a rough day go hit the highway and rev it all the way to 8600 rpm up to 4th gear.

Originally Posted by 11Past9

Overall the SRT-4 crowd is loaded with a bunch of douche bags but that doesn't mean you have to hang out with them. After all the SRT-4 AND 3-Series BMW where BOTH on the top 10 douche bag cars list. So what.

The Bmw is crowded with douchebags that have no appreciation in cars and can't even change a spare tire nor wash their own cars. Let alone changing an air filter. Bmw don't even bother puting a damn dip stick in their cars. ***Not all Bmw owners are like that*** But I guess that you'll get more technical advices on srt-forums,vwvortex or honda-tech (when it comes to changing a BOV, installing a CAI) rather than people whining about color combo options. At least you won't get the well it's a Bmw the best thing that happened since sliced bread(the best car in the world)To each is own but I'm a car guy.

[11Past9]

Originally Posted by guardianangel3290

My best friend owns the second fastest SRT-4 in NM, and while it is a fast little car, the overall build quality seems questionable. Its loud, rough and feels somewhat unsafe.

In my opinion, the SRT-4 is less than desireable becasue it is built for the soul purpose of going fast in a straight line. Now, while it can be modified for track purposes, which ANY car can with enough time and money mind you, it is less than stellar in stock form.

But, and this is a big but, along with its checklist of positives, the SRT-4 will always suffer from shakes, rattles, road noise and never-ending revs from Civics.

That is where people go wrong, it does much more than straight line performing. I know because I've seen them at Lime Rock. Also, sure things can be made to perform with enough time and money but the point I am making is it takes somewhere between jack and shits worth of money to make these cars do what they do.

In fact Sport Compact Car did a comparo to that of the Civic Si, and RSX Type S and to get those two cars to do what the SRT-4 can it literally took about $8,000 MORE in modification on top of the significant premium to actually purchase the car it self.

While these cars may be raw, they perform, they are reliable and they are cheap. These is nothing even close to comparable to it for the price... NOTHING.

You can get a solid 04-05 SRT-4 with decent mileage for $10,000.00

2004 SRT-4 40k $10,000.00
Quaife LSD Stock
Mopar S2 Coilovers and Hotchkis Sways $1200 new
AGP WGA $145.00 NEW
TBE $450.00 NEW
1/4 mile time with these goodies 13.00-13.3 if you aren't retarded.
Lateral G from stock 0.94 and with good rubber, and the limited slip you are MORE than capable at a road course or AUTO X

For about $13,000 bucks you are getting a car with an AMAZING powerband, about 300+ft lbs or torque, reliability and Corvette straight line speed with more than usable road course ability and solid reliability and low maintenance costs.

Did you know:

To properly set up an RSX Type S or Civic SI to a 300whp level you would need roughly $8,000.00 to invest in:

engine (stock internals)
clutch

alone? That is not even counting suspension work, a Limited Slip or the fact that you are still only making 150ft lbs of torque?

An SRT-4 made 302whp and 389wtq on $2,000.00... SRTforums.com has the set up.

Is safety questionable? Yep, so what you could get hit by a bus j-walking
Is it raw? Yep, Loud? Yep
Is it fast? Shit yes
Reliable? Yep
Cheap? Yep

It's a hoot to drive but remember this.

Cheap
Reliable
Performance

Pick 2 of the 3 because thats all you will ever get out of it aside from an SRT-4.

[11Past9]

Originally Posted by mtla4

rather than people whining about color combo options.

Ohhhh muh god you got teh cinn-min terriorrrr wif teh MONTEEEEGO BLOO?! *sigh* I should has gotten tat BRO!

AND SPORT PACKAGEEEEE!!?!?!?! runnin wit teh FRARRR-eeeze now BRO!

It kind of reminds me of the scene in American Psycho when they compared their business cards and got hard over it.

[mtla4]

Originally Posted by 11Past9

That is where people go wrong, it does much more than straight line performing. I know because I've seen them at Lime Rock. Also, sure things can be made to perform with enough time and money but the point I am making is it takes somewhere between jack and shits worth of money to make these cars do what they do.

In fact Sport Compact Car did a comparo to that of the Civic Si, and RSX Type S and to get those two cars to do what the SRT-4 can it literally took about $8,000 MORE in modification on top of the significant premium to actually purchase the car it self.

While these cars may be raw, they perform, they are reliable and they are cheap. These is nothing even close to comparable to it for the price... NOTHING.

You can get a solid 04-05 SRT-4 with decent mileage for $10,000.00

2004 SRT-4 40k $10,000.00
Quaife LSD Stock
Mopar S2 Coilovers and Hotchkis Sways $1200 new
AGP WGA $145.00 NEW
TBE $450.00 NEW
1/4 mile time with these goodies 13.00-13.3 if you aren't retarded.
Lateral G from stock 0.94 and with good rubber, and the limited slip you are MORE than capable at a road course or AUTO X

For about $13,000 bucks you are getting a car with an AMAZING powerband, about 300+ft lbs or torque, reliability and Corvette straight line speed with more than usable road course ability and solid reliability and low maintenance costs.

Did you know:

To properly set up an RSX Type S or Civic SI to a 300whp level you would need roughly $8,000.00 to invest in:

engine (stock internals)
clutch

alone? That is not even counting suspension work, a Limited Slip or the fact that you are still only making 150ft lbs of torque?

An SRT-4 made 302whp and 389wtq on $2,000.00... SRTforums.com has the set up.

Is safety questionable? Yep, so what you could get hit by a bus j-walking
Is it raw? Yep, Loud? Yep
Is it fast? Shit yes
Reliable? Yep
Cheap? Yep

It's a hoot to drive but remember this.

Cheap
Reliable
Performance

Pick 2 of the 3 because thats all you will ever get out of it aside from an SRT-4.

I've never dreamed of 300+ hp with my old honda's unless going F/I and then again too much money and they loose that magic N/A feel.
I agree that it takes a lot of money to make a K20A-K20Z fast.
300$ CAI/800$ HEADERS/1000$-1200$ CATBACK/1000$ Hondata all that gets you in high 13s(13.7-13.9)
Suspension etc lots $ like you said

What about the bug-eyed WRX(02-03)?

[11Past9]

Originally Posted by mtla4

I've never aimed 300+ hp with my old honda's unless going F/I and then again too much money and they loose that magic N/A feel that they have. I agree it takes a lot of money to make a K20A-K20Z fast.
300$ CAI/800$ HEADERS/1000$-1200$ CATBACK/1000$ Hondata
Suspension etc lots $

What about the bug-eyed WRX?

Bug eyed WRX has a transmission that is about as strong as tin-foil. It is very hard to find a cared for unabused WRX without going through a large process of pre-purchase inspections and traveling.

[11Past9]

The color combo comment was great. In case someone MISSED THIS! I think you should see it

It kind of reminds me of the scene in American Psycho when they compared their business cards and got hard over it.

[guardianangel3290]

^^^(whyd you post that twice?)

you know that 2k in a N54 will get you a JB3, downpipes, intake and exhaust which will be making about 400+ whp/ wtq

[mtla4]

Originally Posted by 11Past9

The color combo comment was great. In case someone MISSED THIS! I think you should see it

It kind of reminds me of the scene in American Psycho when they compared their business cards and got hard over it.

Yeah I've seen it. I was laughing
For the WRX no problem in Montreal there is a ton of JDM shops who sells cheap tranny engines from japan....By the way they all have no more than 50 000 km LOL sure sure......(That's what they say all the time)

[mtla4]

Originally Posted by guardianangel3290

^^^(whyd you post that twice?)

you know that 2k in a N54 will get you a JB3, downpipes, intake and exhaust which will be making about 400+ whp/ wtq

Yeah I know I used to have kool aid smile a few months ago....but I'm going back to N/A(E90 M3) so the car is back to stock. It was fun but I really miss high reving. If I don't sell it I might keep it and add a cheap high reving car. I sold my bikes so now I'm stuck driving a torque monster.

[guardianangel3290]

Originally Posted by mtla4

Yeah I know I used to have kool aid smile a few months ago....but I'm going back to N/A(E90 M3) so the car is back to stock.

nice! I cant wait till the M3's come down in price a little more so i can pick one up!

I've only seen one e90/ e92 M3 driving around and it was GORGEOUS

[mtla4]

Originally Posted by guardianangel3290

nice! I cant wait till the M3's come down in price a little more so i can pick one up!

I've only seen one e90/ e92 M3 driving around and it was GORGEOUS

Sorry for hijacking the thread

I went for an other test drive last week and I'm set. The M3 is a tad slower and I like the E82 driving position better but the M3 handles way better and the high revs(still have goosebumps). Also like I said torque is fun but the 135-335 are way too easy to drive. The car will be my week end/track warrior so I will take a bare bones model(cloth/no sunroof). The S65 is a rewarding engine...only drawback I won't be able to say VTEC-VTEC have you heard the VTEC kick in to my buddies

I love the off-topic section cool people more enthusiasts less brand whores, snobs etc.(We still enjoy Cobalt SS/MS3,SRT4,RSX-S)

[guardianangel3290]

Originally Posted by mtla4

Sorry for hijacking the thread

I went for an other test drive last week and I'm set. The M3 is a tad slower and I like the E82 driving position better than the E9X M3 but the M3 handles way better. Also like I said torque is fun but the 135-335 are way too easy to drive and and the car will be my week end/track warrior so I will take a bare bones model. The S65 is a rewarding engine...only drawback I won't be able to say VTEC-VTEC have you heard the VTEC kick in to my buddies

I love the off-topic section cool people more enthusiasts less brand whores, snobs etc.

at least youll still be able to rev to 8k haha

(you could always just through a v-tec logo on the back lol)

[mtla4]

Originally Posted by guardianangel3290

at least youll still be able to rev to 8k haha

(you could always just through a v-tec logo on the back lol)

Honestly I cried when I sold my 1st RSX-S. I called my buddy and say I can't go to the dealership to trade it in. He said WTF you're getting an Audi by yourself at 20 y/o. If I had to go back to a cheaper car I would grab an RSX-S, Civic SI. All that being said ....OP should go try out those K20 cars they're not the fastest out there but they have some kind of special magic in them.

Shift330, your car looks really good.I'm sure that you will enjoy the SRT-4 and make it nice at the same time. Divorces are not easy and your car might be some kind of relief during these hard times. You'll bounce back and will be back stronger in a year or so.

[shift330]

Well, glad I see how everyone thinks of non-BMW's now but it looks like this trde aint happening. I did look at a fully modded 07 STi on Friday with only 16k miles but couldn't get #'s where I wanted so I left. They called back today offering me $2k more for my e90. If I can squeeze another 2k out of them between the trade and sticker on the STi I may buy it tomorrow.