I have to agree with you on the american engine. They're lacking on torque above 4000-4500rpm. The problem is partly due to the pushrod design. I have a gm 3.4L in my car, sometimes I do find it more fun driving in the parking than in city "50kph" traffic. You probably say it's a bad engine, it is compared to a european one. However, I still like it more than say a gutless honda engine. I drove different accords, like you said, they're pretty boring unless you really open the throttle up.
Can't blame the japanese, even their ads say the car just goes (without you thinking about the driving)
