i think proof of how great the hemi design is, fuel consumption notwithstanding, is that in aust they claimed for almost 35 years that the fastest ever local built production car production car was the 1971 phase 3 GTHO falcon. (351 Cleveland V8) block. estimated at around 280-300kw, only just now being matched by the best HSV and FPV's...

but,

the 265 (6cyl) hemi Charger of the same era was actually faster than the GTHO. the 265 hemi ran a high 13 second 1/4 and the 351 falcon only a low 14 sec 1/4.

there are still not many cars built now that pull a high 13 sec pass staright out of the box, and especially not wih only 2wd...
maybe an M5 is about the only n/a 2wd 6cyl that could match that i can think of.

and of the V8's i have owned or driven, none stand out for sheer scary grunt like the 383 cu. in. big block, and that in a 2 1/2 ton Dodge Phoenix barge.