Why are some newer automobile engines made so flimsy?

Why are they trying to make a lot of newer engines so flimsy. Like the ones in economy cars. Some older engine like the Honda H22A seem to be a lot more foregiving of over heating. On some new engines if they are overheated just a little it tears them up. I was driving my prelude and the gauge got close to the red mark. I got it home and shut it off and the cooling system was completely dry. I replaced the hose that busted and refilled it and it didn't damage it. I have a friend that bought a Kia Rio. She was driving it and the thermostat stuck closed. The needle went about 3/4 of the way up the gauge. It busted the head gasket and warped and cracked the head.