I chose a Mk1 because I think the front looks better and if I had a Mk2 it would have to be Black, and I didn't think they were worth the £6k premium (at the time) over my Mk1. I'm in the lucky position to have been able to choose though - but I must admit, I only chose a Vee because I couldn't afford a Zonda. I know I know, I'm a pikey...
Even people who can't stretch to a Mk2 can't be accused of been cheap - they're still willing to stomach insane parts prices, 20mpg combined and Grp 20 insurance...
The speed thing, well I chased a Mk2 for about 20 miles on the way back from FCS heh - sometimes I pulled on him, sometimes t'other way round - obviously dependdant on coming off roundabouts and differing drivers etc - the summary point was that there was nothing at all in it - like when we got on it at the same time the only difference was from lower revs I was a little quicker (the 230 spec engine makes more torque lower down) then at higher revs he was a little quicker, then when we changed gear the cycle repeated itself. Conversely we got quite far ahead of the RB182 that, once we'd backed off (left dual carriageway onto single carriageway), felt the need to flash his lights then finally do a dodgy overtake into oncoming traffic and cut the guy in the Mk2 up to the point where if the Mk2 hadn't braked sharply I wouldn't like to imagine what would've happened. The 182 was with us till about 60 (so around 3rd gear) then there was quite a difference in the way we pulled away. I have similar experiences with my mates GSi Turbo Mk4 Astra - although the difference isn't till 80 and hasn't really been explored too deeply heh.
However that was by the way - you're a tosser and you let the side down in a big way.
Evo reckon it does it in 5.8 the Mk1 timed with their own gear and to be honest I think that's achievable - I've never done a full boar start properly because I fear my clutch heh (although I hear the Mk1 clutch is stronger than the Mk2?), but setting of 'briskly' with Nexan rear tyres I pulled a 5.9 using the highly scientific "phone in hand with stop watch on it" method
I think in good conditions, with good tyres etc you'd easily get a sub 6 properly timed. And on low fuel/one passenger - I think it would do maybe a sub 5.5 - but I'll let someone else try that
I'd agree with Matt (Clio_V6_Lancs) on the other points though - the Mk2 interior is a lot better, and the handling is certainly more neutral - although I can't help but feel if I were a driving god the Mk1 might be the better handler because it just won't understeer heh. But I'm not so that's a mute point
Dan