The ordinary Neon with 130 - 132 horses is quicker than most vehicles on the road and they're geared tall for high-speed cruising rather than for quarter mile times. That's what makes for the good gas mileage at highway speeds. If you want more power they make one with 215 horses for under $20K.
No offense but anything under 300-325 is still pretty weak. I say to each his own, you drive what you want to drive, and I'll drive what I want to drive. FWIW, you'll never catch me driving an SUV or minivan either