When I drive mine hard and that rev limiter hard then I get 28/29 mpg.
Strange, i get less than that if i drive my 8v hard. Like 20mpg or less.
So either your car is reading wrong, or your definition of hard isnt that hard. lol.
Are you teasing Len again? 
No, just stating a fact/opinion. Which it seems other forum members agree too.
Either way, take away the narrow minded forum members, and the VR6 is a better car than the 16v every day of the week, no matter the weather.
Hence why it is faster... More powerful, has a bigger engine, and a bigger insurance group, and a better reputation. Its the more powerful version.
This member asked for which has better performance. The answer is the VR6.
I cant see how people can say its not the best option? lol