it might. its light as hell at only about 2500 lbs. and it has the VVTi just like the celica gts. this just seems like a new trend or something with the sport compact sedans.
Let's remember that it's the area under the curve, not the peak power that really matters. That's an even less tourquey Civic Si, period. Driver's race, maybe, with Stang advantage, but it won't be blowing by any 99+ Stangs, at least.