i'd still be in 3rd at these kinda speedsÂÂÂ

like dizzie said its about the revs.. if want access to the power you gotta work a 16v to keep the revs up..
3rd gear is good for about 80 ish in a mk3 valver.. i doubt theres much difference with a mk2 valver
how high does a mk2 16v rev? a mk3 16v redlines at 7200..