The Dodge Neon SRT-4 and the Mini Cooper are two small automobiles produced by American automaker Chrysler and German automaker BMW, respectively. Each is offered as a sporty option for drivers who prefer small cars. While the Neon was discontinued after 2005, the Mini Cooper is still a strong seller as of 2009.
Neon SRT-4
The Neon SRT-4 was a turbocharged, sporty version of the compact, entry-level Neon, which was sold as a Plymouth and Dodge model by Chrysler. The SRT-4 was available between 2003 and 2005. It featured a front engine/front-wheel drive layout, four-door sedan body style and seating for five. Dodge included a five-speed manual transmission as well as a turbocharged, inline-4 cylinder engine in the SRT-4, with a displacement of 2.4 liters and an output of 230 horsepower. Other additions not included on the standard Neon included a sport suspension and larger alloy wheels.
Mini Cooper
The modern Mini Cooper, a revival of the classic British compact model, has been produced since 2001 under the ownership of BMW. Several models exist as of 2009, including a convertible, a larger "Clubman" variant and the sporty Cooper S. The standard Mini Cooper comes with a 1.6-liter inline-4 cylinder engine that produced 115 horsepower. It is available with a five-speed manual or six-speed continuously variable transmission. The Mini Cooper seats four and has a hatchback-style rear liftgate (or, in the case of the Clubman, a pair of rear gate doors).
Similarities
Where the SRT-4 and Mini Cooper are most alike is in their common market segment. Both are compact cars that are advertised as sporty, fun-to-drive options that are still affordable for first-time car buyers. In addition, both the SRT-4 and the Cooper include some of the same basic convenience options, such as power automatic windows and door locks, a tilt steering wheel, map lights and a CD player with six speakers.
Key Differences
There are many ways in which the Neon SRT-4 and Mini Cooper differ. One of these is size, with the Cooper almost three feet shorter than the SRT-4. Despite this size difference, the Mini Cooper has a larger maximum cargo volume due to its hatchback design. The other major difference between the two cars is performance. The SRT-4's turbocharged engine is much more powerful, though fuel efficiency suffers as a refult. Other performance metrics also give the edge to the SRT-4, although the Cooper is available in the sportier Cooper S trim level which brings it closer to the SRT-4's level.
Comparison for Buyers
In terms of pricing, the Mini Cooper is more comparable to the standard Dodge Neon, with the Cooper S competing with the SRT-4 and at a similar price point. The Mini Cooper is the only model to offer a convertible option, though at a significantly higher cost than the SRT-4. As a car that had not been produced since 2005, the SRT-4 can be found today in a variety of prices, depending on its condition or the presence of aftermarket performance features. Ultimately the decision between a Mini Cooper and an SRT-4 will depend on brand loyalty or personal preference between the two very differently styled cars.
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