are you sure it wasn't an SRT? 00-05 Neon SRT is a turbocharged 4cyl with 245-250 ft/lb of torque at roughly 2600lbs curb weight that would probably hurt pretty good....

 

we crushed the car cause we put so much wrench time into it, i couldnt stand seeing someone else drive my baby knowing that they didnt put the time in under the hood. Although i would have liked a little more time with her. She sounded like a jet engine when she was flying down the block, got into alot of trouble with that car. Ahh good times

 

since mercedes has taken over half of dodge they have put alot of input into engine/drivetrain design. and as we all know daimler-benz engines are known for their insane amount of power just in a stock motor. I rented a 05 neon for a raod trip last year and holy crap, this car had a 2.5L I-4 and driving down the interstate (the car had no cruise control) I found myslef driving 108 mph at one point and the car wasnt even showing a sign of straining. so not surprising a neon beat you.