I think as an Austrian I´m really qualified to place my input here! (Austria and Gemany have the highest Diesel percentage in the world!)

So: You accelerate with performance (BHP)! Not with torque!!! Only the VW-Audi lobby still postulates the contradictionary roumors.
Not knowing the figures I´d bet my ass that Dunkyboy's GTI had NO chance against a ST. (not even mentioning the handling! The Golf-V is the first Golf which can be seriously quick in corners. The ones prior to the V had a ridiculous handling)
Torque is just a figure. Knowing both, BHP and NM, sure it gives an idea of the engine´s behavior, but that´s it.
Nice example: Seat Altea:
140 Diesel BHP, 320 NM takes 9,9 sec till 60 MPH
150 Petrol BHP, 200 NM takes 9,6 sec till 60 MPH
any questions?? Just 7% more BHP, but about 50% less NM though 0,3 sec (which is a lot!) faster.

Ok, so coming back to GTI vs.ST - both have the same BHP. The GTI´s much more of NM could compensate the more of weight, so maybe it would be an open match. But when handling comes into play... :-)


Regards!
reach