I have an '02 5-spd EX and I can tell you with a great deal of certainty that without extensive modifications, it is not going to keep up with a V6 (either off the line or at speed). That said, the 6th gen automatics (both in the V6 and the I4) are definitely troublesome. I've known a number of people that had to have work done on their trannies - it's a known problem, but Honda does extend the warranty out to 100,000 miles for the tranny.

Bottom line, stay away from automatic 6th gens...

...oh, and don't expect to go fast with a 5-spd 6th gen.