A few thoughts:
A VR6 is FAR easier to get to 190+ BHP than a 16v...even a true 175BHP ABF isn't the basic bolt ons people seem to think.
A 190+ ABF is still bloody awful on standard gearing.
..so is a VR6 for that matter.
A VR6 will always handle worse than an ABF.
A 190+ BHP ABF is far nicer to drive than a 190 BHP 1.8T...and faster on a back road/track.
Sure, you can throw money at an ABF and get 210 BHP...but throw the same money at the a properly built A VR6, and the VR6 is so much quicker that it's far better spread of torque/power overcome it's ill handling on corners.
I built a 208 BHP/200lb-ft 2.9 VR6 that revved like a banchee and had turbo-like torque...and not even the best ABFs would keep this thing behind them. Hell, in a Mk3 Golf, it stuck with my 911 C4S up to 130+ MPH.
VR6s are lazy revving, inefficient lumps standard...but sorted, they can be mighty impressive.