so does The Mistu 380... and the Falcon... and the Commodore... and... and... shall I stop now?
Well 'ultimate driving machine' does not necessarily insinuate 'fast'. It means as an overall package, it is excellent to drive - going around corners, day to day etc. Anyone can build a straight line car that is fast... 6.0L anyone?
As i recall the original mini cooper wasn't 'FAST' in a straight line, but still kicked a number of 'pedigree' marques, and is still a hoot to drive.
Have you driven a BMW? I have an E46 330i and, for it's designed purpose a comfortable 4 door, relatively rapid car, it delivers in SPADES. I wouldn't trade the 330 for the crashy cheap interior of a 350z.
Horses for courses. Take your 350z and smash me - I simply don't care while cruising along in (soft) leather, comfort and quietness.
Lastly, the focus should be on the package, and what the brand wants to deliver. Picking shit out of just hte engine is a moot point.
That is all.