I think you've approached the question wrong. Let's face it, if it was 1934 and you had to travel from Kansas City to Denver, and you had a Model A Ford in reasonably good shape, a 4 or 5 year old car, you'd throw the kids in and start out.
When some guy with a newer '33 model pulls out and passes you on a hill, heck yeah, you wish you had a V8, but the Model A will get you there fine.
If you're concern is safety, comfort, convenience, good gas mileage, stereo sound, quiet cab, good handling, I'll recommend a Nissan Altima.