And even if you aren't tuning or modifying the engine, in completely stock form, any Honda, Toyota, or BMW motor with variable valve operation is far superior than the competition in terms of general performance and efficiency. My Prelude and the current Acura RSX and TSX have natually aspirited 4 cylinder motors with at least 200 horsepower (I believe the RSX-S is at about 210 or 220), and the S2000 is at 240. All retaining efficient fuel economy. You just can't attain those numbers with standard engine designs. BMWs straight 6 motors are routinely underrated numerically, yet they are world renowned as some of the best engines ever, in part due to their variable timming.