I had a pop at a modern GTI while on a test drive using one of the dealers brand new ST's that someone ordered but could not get finance (started at 9 miles, ended up about 50 lol) and the golf did'nt stand a chance at high speed. The ST seemed to have loads of power at the top end and pulled away well. VW have put far too much weight on the new ones and i'm sure i would have lost to a well maintained mk1.