But I will not - EVER - get sucked into "that car beats me so it must be wrong" conversations.
Agreed.

...and finally - I'll bite: Cite the data behind your assertion.
Isn't the same reason you believe this?

PERSONALLY agree that, based on what I understand of the specification system, that the MkIII Golf is something like 50-80 pounds too light.
I'll post more later but basically the 122 lbs of torque, brake size, and stock HP the Golf III has is primarily why I believe it's classed too light.