have more miles on all my cars and never used synthetic in any of em.
so cant see any real world glaring evidence its worse,better or equivalent.

I'll save the money and put it into the gas tank instead

Synthetic is used for either severe applications or extended drain intervals. On a Neon that is driven around town with oil that gets changed every 5,000 miles, conventional is fine. Motorcraft Syn-Blend and Valvoline Max-Life Syn-Blend are cheaper than the other conventionals anyways, so that's why I use 'em.