makinista, I think I understood part of what you were saying. And if I do then you are wrong to say 20 hp more. The GTI was rates at 200hp while the MazdaSpeed3 is rated at 263hp (Motor Trend Oct 2006). It may also be noted that the GTI was rated at something like 207 pound-feet of torque while the MazdaSpeed3 is rated at 280 pound-feet of torque (Motor Trend Oct 2006?. Thus giving the MazdaSpeed3 63 more stock hp and 73 more stock pound-feet of torque. The article also goes on to say that 0-60 will be less than 6 seconds, and a top speed of 155mph. Quote: "A shift to third gear is needed to burst from 0-60-otherwise the estimated time would fall in the mid 5's". Only 5000 will be shipped to the US this year (kind of like the R32 remember?). So it sounds to me like you're down talking the numbers. When in all actuality, the numbers the MazdaSpeed3 are tossing out there are VERY IMPRESSIVE.
P.S. On a side note, I was just wondering what country you are from?