Here we go. Can of worms time.
Type R's are beautiful cars, but are a pretty raw driving experience and getting on a bit. The age of them can make the buying process a bit hit and miss. Who knows what has happened to it before, and what scally's have had a go at "Maxxing" it in the past.
A new age car is a softer day to day option, and the bugeyes are not regarded for their beauty, but will hopefully have picked up less owners and be a safer second hand option.
This is not to say that all classic are ragged, and all new ages are bob-on but the jist of it is
Hard a55 drivers car - Type R
Hard a55 day to day drivers car - Bug STi
Have you also thought about a Type RA? Same experience, but with 4 doors and a bit less cash.