Steve,
my ST is setup similar to yours- running 290bhp but also has some handling tweaks. The handling I find, is ok, but the ST is a heavy car, apparently weighs more than the figures suggest. This in mind, even with 290bhp and assuming it weighs 1500kgs (evo mag figure) then that would give 193bhp/ton. The clio, assuming it too is tuned and is running, lets say 200bhp, will have in the region of 180bhp/ton or so. 13bhp is nothing in real terms, dont care what anyone says.
Also given that the clio handles better than the ST, and is lighter, thus being able to stop more easily, and there would be nowt in it apart from the driver.
Out on the road, again, you'd struggle to find a difference, even in a straight line. Only at higher speeds would you see the ST pull away due to the higher torque.
On a seperate note, a recent trackday at Oulton showed that the clio 172 cup which was there was more than able to pass me, whereas the meg, which i think was an R26, could not. Yes, its down to driver skill i know, but debates such as this arent so clear cut, no matter what people may think.
In fact id go so far as to say that even a modded ST compared to a standard 182 wont see much difference.
There you go, ive stuck up for the 182, and i dont even own one!
HTH!