In all fairness I had a 1.6 and it wasn't thaaat slow when we are talking about a crappy cheap to insure car. I.e quicker than 1.2 Corsas etc and cars of that league.
Would be surprised if the 1.4 was that much slower.
In true style the 1.6 blew it's gearbox at 146k and sold to a breaker and made a 60 quid profit on the car haha.