I regret scrapping my first mk2 - didnt know anything about mechanics at the time and scrapped it cos of a knackered shock

I regret buying my mk4

(it was a non turbo though so that could be the reason)
Im glad I bought my MG ZR, opened my eyes to handling and dynamics that I hadnt known since my mk2 golfs.
Ford Escort GTi.
1998 model, had everything in it, electric everything, air con, the lot.
Was a much better drive than my golf, far more switched on car, more responsive, better gear box, was real fun to drive. After selling the Escort, I got the Golf as I always wanted a 1.8T and I was so so so so dissapointed with the MK4, truley dissapionted.
Edit, also miss my MK2 16V, so many memories with that wagon 
I was disappointed with my escort gti, found it too slow and dull. Can agree with you on it being better than a golf mk4 though.