the saxo will be far faster, to rot and fall to bits. my golf is a 1985 gti mk2, i bet in 18 years time a saxo wont be anywhere nearly as good a condition.
the thing about racing is i dont consider it to be a race unless its a proper 1/4mile event or on a track. my 1/4mile and track car is a turbo nova with extra go faster goodies. round town an xr2i could probably beat me as i aint up to taking the risks.
i dont see golfs as particularly fast cars, just far superior cars. if you want to buy a car thats quick for 10 mins buy a saxo, if you want a car that will last and give you pretty much no hassle buy a golf. if every little boy hadnt bought a saxo, if you think about it they probably would be good cars, sme goes for prezza's, everyone has them so theyre crap.