TBH I'm pretty sure you would notice it is amazing car to drive. I can't say I have driven one, but it's known for really good handling, but at the same time it's even a bit hardcore, because on normal street usage it's really really uncomfortable.
i think that american engines are huge because its 'cheap' power. by that i mean its cheaper to make a huge engine with a lower power to size ratio, than to make a tiny computer controlled engine running at much higher tollerences. I do love big engines, but when fuel is this pricy, id rather have my mums Toyota IQ which averages 65+ MPG.