How can you compare the power of a TUNED GTi to the power of a STOCK MS3? That's like comparing an apple to a toaster.
A preference on style is pure opinion and like hineyholes, EVERYONE has an opinion.
Raw numbers are factual. There's little to no dispute when it comes to the performance numbers on stock car vs. stock car.
What could you do with a 23,000 MS3 and another 5,000 in goodies? (Which would equal the 28,000 you're suggesting the GTi would cost.)
When my wife and I were considering our recent purchase, we had (FINALLY!) narrowed down our search to two cars: the GTi and the MS3. We test drove the GTi a couple of times while we waited for the '10 MS3's to hit the dealership lots. When they finally arrived, we went out and test-drove the MS3. The difference was so ridiculously apparent, that we bought the MS3 on the spot.
YMMV
Because a stock MS3's power (and GTI with one tune) is the maximum amount of horsepower I want on a FWD/DD car. I've already put my money into my Evo for track business, so power is not the absolute goal.. As power is the MS3's most distinctive quality, I was just gauging responses from other owners for other qualities the car has, if both the GTI and the MS3 produced similar amounts of power.