I built my civic for Drag racing. I put a Complete LS together. Stock block, pistons, rods. Stock LS transmission. Open diff. Built it fresh. Just turbo, and engine management. I have kept the same motor in the car for 5 years now, drag racing the piss out of it and just recently tuned it at 403hp and ran 11.0 and thats in Colorado where elevation SUCKS! I have seen so many DSM'ers go big and yet every one ive seen, runs 12s then blows up or blow up trying.
IMO I would have to say hondas can be a little more reliable. Lighter so they can run a little quicker.
Just my 2 cents.