And did they feel different?
Yes my jdm is faster, 208 compared to 280 bhp would see to that alright but there's more too it.
Shorter gearing, dccd, quicker steering, roller bearing turbo, better cams, fatter drivetrain, plated diffs more agressive mapping all make for a different drive.
My uk was a great car and felt pretty fast, it certainly showed up a few exotica in its time. My standard jdm would p*** all over it but I'd have to work harder at getting the best out of it.