How fast is a SRT Neon?

In stock form, a Dodge Neon SRT-4 typically reaches 0 to 60 mph in about 5.5 to 6.5 seconds and tops out around 130 to 140 mph.

The SRT Neon, built by Chrysler's Street and Racing Technology (SRT) division in the early 2000s, is a high-performance version of the compact Neon. It used a turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-four and delivered a blend of quick acceleration and practical weight, making it one of the quicker compact cars of its era. Performance varied by year, exhaust setup, tires, and other factors, which this article breaks down in detail.

What is the SRT Neon?

The SRT Neon, commonly known as the Neon SRT-4, was a factory-tuned variant of the Dodge Neon designed by SRT. It featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine, upgraded suspension and brakes, and distinctive styling cues. Produced roughly from 2003 to 2005, it aimed to deliver serious performance in a small, affordable package.

Performance Numbers

Typical stock performance numbers for the Neon SRT-4 fall within these ranges. Note that variations exist by year, revisions, and aftermarket modifications.

• 0–60 mph: 5.5–6.5 seconds


• Top speed: 130–140 mph


• Quarter mile: 14.0–14.5 seconds at roughly 98–100 mph


• Horsepower: 215–230 hp


• Torque: 245–260 lb-ft

These figures reflect stock, factory-oriented performance. Real-world times can shift based on traction, gearing, weather, and tire choice.

Variants and Tuning

Understanding speed in the SRT Neon also involves recognizing variants and potential tuning. While the factory setup was designed for strong performance, owners often modify the car to extract more power or improve handling.

Engine and power differences by year

Across the 2003–2005 run, the Neon SRT-4 saw incremental enhancements that affected power output. Late-model examples tended to sit near the upper end of the horsepower and torque ranges, with some variation due to boost levels and calibrations. The car remained front-wheel drive, with its turbocharged 2.4-liter engine delivering the core performance punch.

Impact of tuning and modifications

Aftermarket turbo upgrades, intercoolers, exhaust changes, and engine management tweaks could push output beyond stock figures. These modifications often improved acceleration and top speed but could also affect reliability and drivability if not properly tuned.

Summary

The Dodge Neon SRT-4 represents a notable chapter in early-2000s hot-hatch history. In stock form, it offered sub-6-second 0–60 times, a top speed around the 130–140 mph mark, and quarter-mile times in the low 14-second range. With thoughtful tuning, power can rise, but the core appeal remains its compact size, turbocharged urgency, and affordable performance.

How much horsepower does a 2004 Dodge Neon SRT-4 have?

The 2004 Dodge Neon SRT-4 has 230 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque from its 2.4-liter turbocharged engine. Although the manufacturer's rating is 230 hp, independent tests have suggested the actual horsepower is higher, closer to 255–265 hp, due to larger fuel injectors and a recalibrated engine computer in the 2004 model.
 
This video discusses the stock horsepower of the Dodge Neon SRT-4 and shows modifications for increased horsepower: 59sShooting CarsYouTube · Aug 29, 2025

• Manufacturer's rating: 230 hp (170 kW) at 5300 rpm and 250 lb-ft of torque at 2400 rpm. 
• Engine: A turbocharged 2.4-liter, DOHC, inline four-cylinder engine. 
• Real-world performance: Independent dyno tests have shown the stock output to be closer to 255–265 hp and 260–270 lb-ft of torque. 
• Transmission: Exclusively paired with a five-speed manual transmission. 

How much HP does a SRT-4 Neon make?

The stock Dodge Neon SRT-4 has approximately 215-230 horsepower, depending on the model year, from its 2.4L turbocharged inline-4 engine. With modifications like bigger turbos, intake, and exhaust, it can easily reach 300-350+ horsepower, and some heavily modified examples have achieved well over 1,000 horsepower.
 
This video discusses the history and performance of the Dodge Neon SRT-4: 0:51AlexMartiniYouTube · May 28, 2024
Stock horsepower

• 215 hp: for the 2003 model year 
• 230 hp: for the 2005 model year 
• 225 hp: for the 2004 model year, with slightly less torque than the 2003 model 
• Peak torque: is around 245 lb-ft245 lb-ft245 lb-ft for most model years 

Modified horsepower

• 280–300 hp: With basic modifications like an intake, exhaust, intercooler, and a tune 
• 355 hp: Achievable with a larger turbo and high-octane fuel (100 octane) on a Stage 3 kit 
• 550–1,000+ hp: Can be achieved with more extensive modifications, including larger turbos and internal engine work 
• Over 1,400 hp: Some heavily modified drag-focused SRT-4s have reached this level 

You can watch this video to see a 400 HP Dodge Neon SRT-4 in action: 52sRoads Untraveled A-SpecYouTube · Apr 1, 2025

How fast is a Neon SRT-4?

The top speed of a Dodge Neon SRT-4 is approximately 153 mph (246 km/h). Some sources also list the top speed as being electronically limited to 148 mph. 

• Top Speed: 153 mph
• Other sources: Some sources mention an electronically limited top speed of 148 mph.

Is a SRT or RT faster?

SRT is faster than RT because SRT models have more powerful engines, more horsepower, and better performance features. For example, a Challenger SRT has a more powerful engine with 475 horsepower compared to the 375 horsepower of the Challenger RT. This translates to quicker acceleration, with an SRT model achieving 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds, while the RT model takes 4.3 seconds.
 
SRT

• Higher horsepower: SRT models typically have larger and more powerful engines, such as a 6.4L V8, producing around 475 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. 
• Quicker acceleration: The combination of more power results in faster acceleration, with some models reaching 0-60 mph in around 3.7 seconds. 
• Advanced performance features: SRT models come with performance-oriented features, including a sport-tuned suspension and other technology, according to Bomnin Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Doral and Reddit users. 

RT

• Lower horsepower: RT models have a smaller engine, such as the 5.7L V8, that produces around 370-375 horsepower. 
• Slower acceleration: The RT's acceleration is still quick, but it is slower than the SRT. For example, the 0-60 mph time is around 4.3-5 seconds. 
• More affordable: RT models are often more budget-friendly and offer a balance between performance and practicality. 

Ultimately, the SRT is the faster and more performance-oriented option, while the RT is a more affordable and practical choice for drivers who want good performance without the highest price tag and fuel costs, notes Napleton's Northlake Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.