I can't help but think this is down to the new WRX being a far lesser car than it's predecessor. I had an 54 plate WRX for 18 months prior to my A4 for two years, prior to my new 08 GTI. That WRX was a great car. Very fast. Effortlessly so. But it felt amazing through corners. The new lardy WRX is supposed to be far inferior, so it's no surprise to see it easily beaten by a GTI. On the road, I don't think there's a massive difference (in the dry at least) between the GTI and the old WRX. On the track, I imagine it'd be pretty close too. But I don't think it's a great claim to fame to be raving about beating the new WRX. It's got 10% more power, but lesser handling, would you really expect it to be any other way. Maybe someplace where the WRX could stretch it's legs more.