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Call it Chrysler`s Camaro. In appearance, the Dodge Daytona Turbo Z is in the Camaro class. In fact, with the wraparound front air dam, louvered hood,low-slung plastic rocker panel extensions and deck-lid spoiler, the Daytonahas nothing to be ashamed of.

In price, it has the edge, starting at $11,368, about $600 less than aCamaro.

But in performance, well, the comparisons were fun while they lasted.

The Daytona is powered by Chrysler`s 2.2-liter, 4-cylinder engine, andthe turbo assist is necessary to enable it to keep up with a GM V-6 or V-8.

The Daytona Z can sprint when you call on the turbo boost. The 5-speedshifts without hang-up. It`s a fun machine when the roads are straight; ittakes the challenge when you reach a curve or want to make a tight turn.

Daytona delivers quick acceleration with just a trace of turbo whistle,sure handling and cornering with the driver in control and accurate braking.

But without the turbo assist, you have a sporty-looking car that doesn`tlive up to the performance image it achieves with the turbo under the hood. Ofcourse, that`s the same story with the Camaro, in which, unless you opt forthe V-8, you have a showpiece more than a “go“ piece.

As is typical with Chrysler and its 2.2-liter, 4-cylinder engine, you can lift the spring-held hood, and everything you need to service or replacestares up at you and is within reach, especially the oil filter and plugs. If you don`t do such work, feel good knowing your favorite mechanic has an easiertime working on the car.

There were some annoyances, one being the power seat`s endlessadjustments–we couldn`t find one that really satisfied us. We`d appreciateit, too, if the dual mirrors were slightly larger. Power windows are a mustbecause the manual crank is difficult to reach.

Randy Simoni, Chrysler assistant zone manager in the Chicago area, saidthe automaker “is working on some things to get about 40 more horsepower out of the 2.2, but you really don`t need much more unless you`re taking it to thestrip.“

Since Chrysler is testing prototypes of a Daytona 4-wheel-drive unit,it`s obvious a bigger engine is planned down the road. The new 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder would be a welcome option, but it isn`t offered.

Simoni said Daytona, which made its debut in `84, has attracted youthfulbuyers to Chrysler dealerships just the way it is.

“At first, sales were a bit sluggish, because no one knew what car theDaytona was targeted against. Now they know it`s a sports car aimed at theCamaro or Firebird or Mustang.

“We find most buyers had Mustangs or Camaros with V-8s and now arelooking for a car that still looks, rides, handles and has the power of asports car but gets better fuel economy,“ he said. “You can hit it betweenred lights and still get 22 m.p.g.“ (government ratings are 19 m.p.g. cityand 28 m.p.g. highway with a 5-speed.)

Nationwide, Dayton a sales in the first nine months of the year totaled43,000, up from 35,000 in the year-earlier period. More important, Chryslersaid, the median buyer age is about 33. That is much younger than the typical buyers of the compact Dodge Aries or Plymouth K-car–people in their 50s, who are the lifeblood of Chrysler. The advantage of attracting a 33-year-old isthat you have many more years to sell many more cars in the same line.

The Turbo Z starts at $11,368. Standard equipment includes power brakesand steering, tinted glass, full gauges, remote fuel filler door and liftgate release, leather-wrapped wheel and digital clock. Among the common options,rear wiper/washer runs $129, power door locks $134, power seats a hefty $232, speed control $184 and P205 15-inch steel-belted radials $467. A specialoption package for $1,234 gives you air, rear window defroster, light group,tilt steering and dual mirrors. The test car ran $14,458, including $426 forfreight.