i would grab an SRT-4 Any Day with something like 280whp stock and if u put the right intake, injectors, plugs, header, cat back exhuast, and a lil bigger turbo u can push a good 500whp out of the motor withought having to change any internals

not bad for a neon

For my money, If you just wanted to build a fun daily driver/weekend racer,
I'd grab a 1st gen and turbo a DOHC, you'll spend less doing it up, and have a parts supply that will last you a life time.

SRT-4's are scarce in the wreckers... and as long as "NEW" wasn't part of the original purchase criteria.. 1st gen is the way to go, you can find them really cheap, and many many that are rust free.

Well, for MY money anyhoo..