SOHC can be just as reliable and put out more power than a DOHC depending on mods.

It's like saying a SOHC is better than a pushrod motor.

I doubt you can ever claim that one is better than the other as the engine is a sum of its parts, not just the head.

Howwever, I have a fair few US friends who run SOHC 1600s that will give a B16A a run for its money, even in modified form.

If you want to compare stock motors, a 1600cc DOHC ZC puts out exactly the same as a 1600cc SOHC VTEC motor.