Technology and performance, then vs. now.
A 2013 BMW 328i has a turbocharged 164 cubic engine inline 4 cylinder, with 240 Hp, and an estimated 0 to 60 time of about 5.2 to 5.8 sec.
Subaru WRX STI Special edition 4.7 sec. (again 4 cyl turbo, all-wheel drive).
There sure was a whole lot more drama back in the day with a roaring V8 powerplant, spinning & smoking tires getting going.
But you can go faster with less drama today. Probably not as much fun, though.
The big V8's oozed torque and hp at low RPMs and were fun to drive at any speed. You didn't have to try. The rice burners and turbo 4's require you to wind the engine out like speed racer to deliver the goods. BIG DIFFERENCE.