how much of a difference have you guys found there to be between the VRS and ATR as i have the option of either and currently am leaning towards the more relaxed nature of the VRS. i know the ATR is a much more hardcore focussed car whereas the VRS is a mixture of everything and does it all well.

im just trying to decide if ill think every time i see a ATR and ive bought a VRS will i feel like i made the wrong decision? especially as i get left standing on a country lane!

They're chalk and cheese really IMO. Never actually been in an Octy vRS, but have been around here long enough to have an idea of what they're like. I've been in an ATR, though, and found it cramped and a bit cheap in terms of materials / comfort, and obviously a bit wheezy off-cam in terms of performance. But as you say, it's much more balls-out performance-wise once you crank up the revs. Having said that, the 'paper' 0-60 times are virtually the same, with the ATR being only slightly faster.

If it were me, I'd try both, and not make my mind up after I'd had a go in each...

I owned an ATR for a few months.

They are a proper hardcore bit of kit. Fast, noisy, thirsty (when trying) but fun also. The handling is excellent not driven much, if anything, that is better.

I've never driven a mk1 vRS but I am guessing, with certain exceptions, that it is a whole lot more civilised and nearly as quick.

If you have the option then drive both but they are, as said above, chalk and cheese.

i have a octavia vrs. You have to be mad not to go for the honda, just for reliability and build quality.

I have had several german cars from the VAG group and also owned a Accord although not the type r.

jap cars are just well made plain and simple.

Get the accord...... also see a lot less of them on the roads (the typr r that is)

Went from a Saab 93 turbo to an S2000 (different engines than that being discussed I know, but a 240hp turbo v a 240hp VTEC)

The turbo will feel quicker than the VTEC engine. On paper the Accord will be a touch quicker (in a straight line) but it wont feel that way to drive it.

I cant speak for the handling of either car, but the Type R's are normally very good indeed. I would imagine it to be the better of the two.

I had a drive in my mates accord type R. Fantastic handling, good reliability & the vtec engine sounded sweet at high rpm, but unfortunatly it was very thirsty on the gogo juice when the engine was worked. He sold it, because of that. I nearly bought it myself, but I wanted a hatchback rather than a saloon & the Octavia vRS, even though it isn't the best handling car I've ever had, is more of a practical car for me & I'm very happy indeed!