I think I'm missing something.

Car manufacturers these days seem to be getting a lot of power out of smaller cars. Take for example the Peugeout 206 GTI 180, I mean 180BHP in something that small !!!

It should be flying but the figures tell a different story, 0-60 in 7.5sec and 132mph top speed, thats really only slightly better than the old school 206 GTI 1.9.

OK I appreciate traction/front wheel drive etc but once moving it should be really quick. Why give it more power when less would be about the same.

Hmmmm !!!

maybe your not considering the increased weight of modern cars, so increased power does not always equal increased performance... just look at the elise, very little power but great performance ;)