actually i'd suggest that NAs might like to give R32s a wide berth if they are into racing on the road.
The R32 puts down its power so well and can be driven very fast very easily.
Who really buys a vx to compare it to shopping trolleys? its all about something else isn't it? the joy of driving.
In these fast(ish) hatches because the driving experience is a bit sh**, they have to make other things interesting, like the lovely lovely interior of the Golf, or the near silent 100mph travel, or the shove in the back due to a slightly odd torque delivery. Maybe worst still, the GTD has a sound generator, to make it sound good (it doesn't).
Thats why its a shed compared to the vx, it doesn't matter that its worth nearly three times more.
That isn't to say i don't like it.
Had a golf GTI turbo and loved it

.
If you know what you are doing the hot hatches are easy in an NA.One of my mates has the civic type r and the other has a standard wrx and my car has the edge up to errrr well 70

.Mine has only got de cat and induction plus a piper so not much above standard,like most.
Silent at 100mph (Slap on wrist) Oh I remember that,and the air con,and heated seats,and so on.
Good car the Golf,I would have another