[jrc1122]

But its not "cheaper"

that was my only point. I even noted that it wasn't that much higher in price considering the 8 year difference (which is me acknowledging inflation)

You can't really cant calculate HP into that factor, Because most all cars across the board have signifcant HP increases.
Hell most people snicker at anything under 300hp now, but in 2002. Besides an exotic. Your Camaro or TransAm was pretty much the king of the road.

Now family sedans are running 13.xx quarter miles.