I thougt the same thing about the Power of my ST. I had a 52 reg 25th Anniversary Golf GTI PD 150. In english, a 150BHP turbo diesel coupled to a 6 speed gearbox.

That would beat the ST in top end, overall speed, handling and that "pin you down into your seat" feeling.

Going from that car into the ST, makes the ST seem tame and slow. Having done 2500miles now, mine is not much better/quicker than when it was new.

Guess the car loosens up, but most people's perception of it getting faster is a combination of phsycological impact and getting used to the way the vehicle drives and operates.

People use BHP as a buzz word too. Don't forget torque has a big part to play in the cars pick up and speed. My golf was 236nm compared to the ST, don't quote me but thinks its around 146nm?? ! considerable difference, or another way of lookin at it, lack of torque from the ST.

P.S. Parksey, I nearly got beaten by an 2005 Focus LX TDCI on a dual carriage way the other day, made me feel bitter.