Re: "'powerful engines wreck everything'? I would argue that a stock B230 (turbo or not) is alot more environmentally friendly than any B18/20"

On a one to one basis, considering gaseous emission only, that may be true. However, more than 4 milion b21/23/230 s were produced. That's about twice as many as the b16/18/b20. The total impact is less with the <= B20 series.

Looking for unrestored old common Chevys, Fords, Chryslers that were used as daily drivers in their early lives, I always have found more six-cylinders than 8's. V-8's, especially in trucks, cause additional frame flex, and driveline wear. They wear out much quicker. The difference in payload capacity is not significant, IMHO.

Given similar suspensions and tires, greater horsepower transferred to road surfaces causes more road wear than less horsepower.

I even favor gas rationing and a 60 mph national speed limit. Except for Montana.