OK guys so what's the main and not so main differences between
the cursed VE and the exceptional VQ?
VQ has valve timing too, yes.

Check out this MAX FAQ site...
 

it should answer all your questions and then some.

http://web2.airmail.net/scutchen/max_faq/

Variable valve timing? No. That would be nice though :D

no VTC on the 4th gen...
 

though I am curious about the mention of the "2-stage chain cam drive" that's mentioned on Andi's FAQ. Is that just a fancy way to say DOHC?
Funny how there was variable timing on the 3rd gen...got rid of it for the 4th gen...and brough tit back for the 5th gen. I'm feeling like the red-headed-step child.

Re: no VTC on the 4th gen...
 

?

5th gen has no VTC either. Same engine as the 4th gen, just different intake manifold (variable plenum volume) with some minor fuel system/exhaust changes (and ECU reprogrammed to match the new components, of course). Different cams, too, but they're actually a tad milder (less duration intake...hair more lift, though).

No major (if any) internal changes to the engine, though.

I wonder where I heard that from then...
 

Weird, I could have sworn...well I don't feel as bad now. thanks.

Re: no VTC on the 4th gen...
 

I think a two-stage cam drive means that the crankshaft drives only one camshaft via chain, which in turn drives the other camshaft.