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Hmm, I think you got your timing data wrong. The L88, though rated at a nominal 430 HP - just so insurers wouldn't freak out, probably generated 550 or so HP (the figure is debated, plus you have to worry about SAE Net vs. SAE gross ratings of the day). It also was a race motor, with a cam with 360 degree lift, optimized for horsepower (which is more related to top speed), not torque (which has more influence on acceleration, therefore 0-60 times). As a comparison, the Bugatti Veyron puts out about 1000 HP and has the traction advantage of modern, wider tires and all wheel drive, and it is about 3 seconds 0-60.

This is an interesting comparison of performance numbers
Kind of interesting to see a legend like the L88 compared to a leaned on econobox like the Neon. Just goes to show you march of technology. A Toyota Matrix has better performance numbers than the 400ci "Smokey and the Bandit" Trans Am. The new Porsche 911s blow away the 959 at less than 10th of the price. Sic Transit Gloria Mundial.

Um, except for this one?

Um, "shitty ass 1/4 mile"? I think you're misinterpreting that figure. That's "0 - 400m"... Namely, a quarter mile sprint from a dead stop. That's pretty impressive, ranking this up there with the best of them. Check here for comparison, look at the "soft launch" column.

WRX. 0-40 in 3.9s. Maybe. Such measurements can very by as much as 15% due to driver, ambient temperature and humidity, and height above sea level variations, so it's possible they can beat the WRX to 40 (though if the WRX does the 5000rpm clutch drop to launch, there's no way the Golf/Jetta can beat it, they just don't have the grip).

M3. 0-40 in 3.4s. Okay, probably not.

WRX. 0-40 in 3.9s. Maybe. Such measurements can very by as much as 15% due to driver, ambient temperature and humidity, and height above sea level variations, so it's possible they can beat the WRX to 40 (though if the WRX does the 5000rpm clutch drop to launch, there's no way the Golf/Jetta can beat it, they just don't have the grip).

M3. 0-40 in 3.4s. Okay, probably not.

0-40 in 4 seconds? good luck doing that in the snow!!

Seriously, that's pretty neat -- good torque at a really low RPM. Nice to see such a cool engine with such great mpg do well in acceleration, too. But, you may want to check out this 0-40 mph comparison:

2003 Subaru Impreza WRX Sti Sedan (US spec) 2.5s hard launch /7.0s soft launch
2001 BMW M3 2.8s hard launch /3.4s soft launch

Also, I don't quite get your math... 0-40 in ~4 seconds, and then another 6 seconds to get to 60? Does it feel like the engine cuts out, or is there a different technique involved, or what is it that I'm missing? Actually, IIRC, the WRX is 0-60 in something like 6 seconds -- that scales similarily, so I guess its normal...

and don't miss this neat WRX picture!!