The previous generation Neons have the same diameter exhaust. The new 150 hp SOHC R/Ts are the only ones that have 2 1/4 inch exhausts (to help them get the extra HP with the SOHC). And I doubt their engines are stronger than ours stock. They are so similar there is no reason to think they would be stronger or weaker.


Yes, Neons are light, from about 2300 lbs for stripped down SOHC 2 door cars to up to 2650 lbs or so for new fully loaded 4 dr cars.

But, if they have auto trannies and are only lightly to moderately modded (and still NT) they are not very fast. The 2002 model is the first with a 4 speed auto. I drove a 3 speed Neon, it was not a pleasant experience :(

And, with a few mods you can take out R/T Neons (the 150 hp versions). I got to race one at the drag strip and beat one. But, everything being equal, the weight advantage has to be considered, and the 300 or so lbs. difference makes a difference at our HP levels.