Excuse my ignorance, but can someone here explain this to me.

1st, let me limit what i mean by "performace" into:
1. peak HP
2. peak torque
3. max rev
4. powerband range (HP)
5. torque range in powerband
6. vibration levels

The question is, given a fix amount of displacement (though varying bore x stroke), say 3000cc, which engine configuration (single piston, v-twin, v3, I4, v4, boxer 4, v5, v6, v12 etc etc etc) will excel in each category? which configuration will give the best compromise?

why are v8's regarded as torquey?

also, for the sake of argument, all engine will be naturally aspirated though any cam technology can apply (vtec, vtc, variocam, etc etc).

am i making any sense?