The common concensus is that the mk1s handling is flawed, but I cant say that Ive found this to be the case. It handles like its on rails, providing you have the balls not to lift off mid corner - but surely thats the same with any mid-engined car?
Having said that, all the red-flags Ive heard about the wet weather handling mean that Ive never really pushed it on anything other than dry tarmac, but then again, the only car I have EVER driven hard in the wet was my Escort Cosworth, which was 4WD and was so surefooted you could leave just about anyone for dead on a wet road!
The only complaint I have with the handling Ive also heard applies to the MK2, and that being at motorway speeds (upwards of 80mph), as those square sides, and air intakes make the car very susceptible to modorate side-winds!