you'd be surprised how much of a run you would give it, most scoobys have a loud exhaust, filter and a dv just because they sound loud doesnt mean they are fast mate, have dusted a load of scoobies of late esp on motorway, jap cars torque figures are crap.
Remember:
BHP sells cars, torque wins races
Well previously having a Civic Type-R, IntegraType-R (DC5) the statement of "BHP sells cars, torque wins races" doesnt really ring true for several reasons, the main one being weight!. I have a 1.8T GTi at present. In comparrison to the Honda's it feels VERY slow, sluggish and not very nimble. The Honda's are sharp, nimble and shed loads of power although you have to "drive it" to get the best out of it. Its horses for corses. In a drag race with a Golf vs Civic Type-R and both at the same BHP the Civic will leave the golf for dead. even worse round a circuit
Yes, the CTR is the quicker car out the factory, although I found the steering to be really numb & it was a bit gutless 'til "VTECH-VILLE"!!
You really have to rev the nuts off it, LOL. Saying that, you have to spend a fair few hundred on the Mk4 to get it in the same league, TBH (Re-map, exhaust, filter, suspension, rear ARB etc. BUT, I'd never swap my (modded) Golf for one.
Deffo horses for courses - Pro's & con's for each!!