Funny you should mention me Cal, I saw you on South Anderson Drive on Thursday about 18:30. Nice wagon!
In answer to your post you will find the dis-engagement the same with the Gti. The more powerful, more heavy and more capable the car the faster you have to drive it to get the "on the edge" feel. This is why the minimalist MX5, early MR2 type cars are so popular. You just can't drive a scob fast enough on the rods to get the buzz. On the loose however.....