MK4 Golf 1.8t Vs Audi S3 1.8t i reckon this would be quick a close run race but i reckon S3 would clinche it.
If both were standard the Audi would spank it's @rse.
I presume we're talking standard cars here so - (I mention GTI's so this doesn't include VR6s or R32s by the way)
Civic type R would spank all standard GTI's in a straight line, maybe not so on the twisties.
Saab's can be quite quick beasts but I don't think they're that nimble and a mk2 16v would give it a good run for it's money but I don't know about a mk3 16v and mk4 1.8t as they are heavier cars.
Topher has already warned me off the Reneault Clios (172 16v I think), even in the Rallye as they have similar power but the Clio is as heavy as a cardboard box and probably about as well built as one !
Funny really as when I'm in my mk1 cab everyone wants to race me but in the Rallye people are not so up for it.