[SleeperGT]

Ah I love this topic! The "jap's", as someone so eloquently put it, make bullet proof motors, are they capable of putting out hp numbers of a V8, not realistically (drop $10k on a stock honda and you might have 300 or so hp, drop $10k on a Mustang GT and you're gonna have well over 600 hp). I've owned several Mustangs and several Japanese cars, both for completely different reason. If you are into power and want to do the hot rodding thing, V8 Thunder is the only way to go. Absolutely beyond me why "kids's these days" are trying to hop up little 4 cyclinder engines. If you're really into the power thing, there is nothing else but a V8. Whenever I need a "normal" car, Japanese is the only way to go. They are a blast to drive compared to a similar American car, they are fast (relatively speaking) and fun to drive, ultra-reliable (try 125,000 and not single drop of ANYTHING leaked out of my '91 Nissan Setra SE-R, which was autocrossed very frequently and drag raced). You ever compare a Japanese stick shift on an American 4-cyl to a Japanese one, what a freaking joke! American V-8 sticks are great, strong, positive feels, but what the heck on the Mustangs stick being so far forward, this bettter be fixed in the '05's. I just had a brand new Cavalier for a rental the other day, talk about a piece of sh*t!!! Or how about a Pontiac Grand AM!! (no offense to anyone who owns these wonderful cars). The only decent 4-cyl American car I ever drove was the little 4-cyl Oldsmobile (Alero or something), which really wasn't that bad, and GM got rid of Oldsmobile. I do have to say Saturns aren't that bad, but look at what GM has done, sucked Saturn back into the GM corporate structure, so they will hit the crapper pretty soon also. Don't even get me going on Chrysler. I don't have enough fingers and toes to count the number of people I know who have enacted the Lemon Law on their Chryslers. I do have to say I am partial to Fords, they're about the only American brand I'd consider for a "regular" car. Decent interiors and ok reliability. Sorry for all the ranting, but if it wasn't for all the "jap" competitoin Detroit would still be serving up Chrsyler K cars, Ford Escorts and V8 Mustangs and Camaro's with 150 hp!