Which mk3 you on about? Standard or RS?
Non Rs i do prefere the mk2 ph2, my old 1.4 16v was good fun compared to the 1.2t i drove, was more fun and just felt better. But my R27 feels so much better in everyway compared to my 182. I drove a 182 not long ago, it still is a really good drive dont get me wrong, but you notice the hike in refinement in the new RS, handling etc. I didnt even notice any more tourqe low down in the 182 either, me thinks my one has bedded in well now (23k on the clock). Rapid!