There is no doubt that straight from factory pretty much nothing can touch the k series for what it is. As previously stated, it's just a flatout stronger, newer motor with plenty of potential all motor or on forced induction. Sure you can build a B20 vtec or H22 all motor and make around the same power eventually but what your paying for is the new strong out the box technology. With time it will go to lower prices as everything else but their is that "craze" going now and honda's taking advantage of it..much like the b series when it was first introduced