I agree with your modern engines statement; that's why I think it's an apples-to-oranges comparison. Plus they're typically all aluminum, computer designed as a single unit, and (normally) put together by robots in a factory. Sure, the basic engineering is the same - it's still an internal combustion engine with most of the same primary parts and pieces - but past that I just think the gap widens. Plus, to combine what someone else posted earlier with my current situation, 210* doesn't leave a lot of "cushion", and if you happen to be out on a 100* west Texas day in stop-and-go traffic I want all the cushion I can get!