Germans are good in manufacturing. They just have different philosophy with the Japs. I know Japs mentality well and have stay long enough with them during my college, work and private. Naturally I have been Japanese car all the time.
When I switch to a German car, been to German, experience the Autobahn, dealing with my German colleagues on work, I understand why their car is build that way. The car reflect their philosophy of manufacturing. At this class, performance, I think it's ok. If you tear a Jap car down and calculate the item of components used inside, if you consider the technology behind, I think it's acceptable.
My E46 which is 7yrs old now, definitely technology of more then 10yrs old by now, still rock solid, generate a healthy 192hp, pure NA. Just love it.
