Indeed, it would...
Also, given Honda's track record for producing high specific output
(though quite peaky) motors, it is interesting to note also that the 20%
increase in displacement netted the given power. Admittedly, the power
curve is much smoother and better suited for a vehicle of its heft than
previous powerplants, but frankly I am still a bit disappointed in the
performance of the '02 overall. Too bad they didn't follow suit with
Nissan's idea of putting "ballsy" (their word, not mine :] ) powerplants
in their entire lineup. For comparison, the 2.5L 4 cyl in the new Sentra
SE-R puts out 175-180 hp and 180 ft-lbs torque... those numbers would put
the '02 CR-V right in line with what I would find liveable.

Sorry for the latenight rantings... and forgive me for the Nissan
comment. If Toyota and/or Honda produced their same-rate vehicles with
Nissan's current ideology, the world would most definitely be a better
place.

Regards,

Jimi B