* Transmission: A well-matched transmission can make a smaller engine feel quicker than a larger one with a poorly matched transmission.
* Weight: A heavier car with a big engine might be slower than a lighter car with a smaller engine.
* Aerodynamics: A car's shape significantly impacts its speed; a more aerodynamic car can be faster even with a smaller engine.
* Horsepower and Torque: These are measures of an engine's power output and how it delivers that power. A car with higher horsepower and torque will generally be faster, regardless of engine size. Larger engines *tend* to have higher horsepower and torque, but not always.
* Technology: Modern technology, like turbocharging or supercharging, can significantly boost the power output of smaller engines, making them competitive with, or even exceeding, larger naturally aspirated engines.
In short, engine size is one piece of the puzzle, but it doesn't tell the whole story about a car's speed.
