weirdest engine

I have a 64 Valiant and an 03 Neon, 2.0 w/ 5 speed. Every morning this past Winter when it would start and get me to work in sub-zero temps, I gave it a pat and said thank you. I'm at 209.000 miles in a brutal climate, it's not a smooth running sophisticated engine by any means, but the lil engine keeps on chuggin. I'm waist deep into a complete 225 rebuild for the Valiant and with both cars being approximately the same weight, I've wondered what it would be like to have an early A with a modern engine and 5 speed. Nobody says you have to open the hood.