if you compare torque curves too...the 1.5 liter vtec is a torquey little beast from 2000-5000 rpms and makes it very spritely to drive...it doesn't make the high end hp Honda is well known for
in fact with such a broad powerband and only 2400lbs to lug around it is one of the quickest small cars in its class and definitely the handling leader (there are several articles in the Fit Info thread)