"Nomen Nescio" > wrote in message
...

>
> A turbocharged 4 banger engine has lots of advantages over larger
> displacements for same max. power. They're lighter and more efficient at
> lower outputs, where most driving is done. Regular grade gasoline can be
> used when the spark is retarded a few degrees from spec., with little
> penalty as a result. About the only drawback is torque at breakaway, but
> aren't our teenage days long past when we got our jollies out of patching
> 50 feet of rubber to the delight of Good'n'Rich Tire and Rubber?
>
> And one more very important point to make: Those big V-8s may be great at
> sea level, but going over those mountain passes, they have no chance
> against a turbo'd I-4. The only thing that can keep up with a turbo is
> another turbo. It has to do with power-to-weight ratio. That's a fact.
>

There are good designed 4 banger turbo engines and systems that will
outperform poorly designed V8s. And there are good V8 designs
that will outperform poorly designed turbo systems.

It isn't as important to get a turbo or a v8 as it is to get a good design
of whatever you select. Sweeping generalizations like 'turbo is better than
v8' like your making are purely academic and have no relation to the
real world, and no value to people actually trying to select a vehicle.

Ted