Rob: I'd only change the "better" engine to "by far superior" engine. For the non-North American's that have never driven a rental car over here...we like to load our cars up with tons of emission equipment that basically snuff's the horsepower out of an engine. The same car in say London...pretty much the same engine...might have 30-40% more horsepower simply because of the smog controls in the States & Canada.
I think Yamaha was the first to figure out how to meet those goals, and provide a rip tearing ride....Honda now has the S2000 (another rocket ship on wheels...4 cylinders, 240HP $32K) that probably surpassed the Yamaha technology, but that's 8 years later model wise..probably 10-12 years design wise later. I also live on a lake in the summer, Yamaha outboards, inboard outboards all require less fuel, lower maintenance, etc. Honda's too (Outboards only). We still have a lot to learn from the likes of the Japanese manufacturing techniques. Oh and don't complain about the cost of Yamaha parts anymore...MY Odyssey Minivan with 104,000 miles now might need new O2 sensors. ONE BEFORE THE CAT.....ONE AFTER THE CAT....total aftermarket costs.....(Drum roll please $418.51) and that's me installing them (not hard) I'd hate to see what the dealer charges! Shawn P --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.314 / Virus Database: 175 - Release Date: 1/11/2002
