i would probably say that the newer pistons might be even more prone to this problem then less so.... having a higher ring pack (aka rings higher up on the piston) puts less beef between the combustion process and the rings. manufacturers use this to up the compression and to clean up emissions. that space between the top of the pistons and the top of the rings is notorious to have unburned fuel and hydrocarbons that can escape during the exaust stroke.
now if the newer pistons are a better casting with higher quality control then it may be a wash but i still belive the fact that the ring lands are thinner might agrivate this issue more then anything. it maybe the fast that less 2000 cars have a turbo that this isnt showing up
