If you look at from a pure engineering point of view then the Mk2 is superior because the geometry has been better sorted.
The Mk1 was kinda rushed by Reno because of the amount of orders they recieved having shown it at a Motor Show (cant remember which one now). The problem was that the car was a bitza made to look good. The engineers had to in a short space come up with a car ready for production. If you look beneath the skin of a Mk1 & Mk2 they are very different.
People say the Mk1 is the real v6 as its raw and has edgier handling, although in prectice most drivers on the road will never reach the edge of its envelope on the dry anyway. The v6 had revised pick up points for the suspension and has been dulled a little to give a far more neutral but safer car.
The looks are purely personal. I prefer the Mk2 as the wheels are better and bigger and the interior is much better.
You pays your money and takes your choice, both are iconic, both are futuire classics and both great fun.