the times are wrong
The 106 GTi has exactly the same engine as the Saxo VTS. My friend and I had one of each and they both accelerated at the same speed. I've had my VTS timed to 60 and I have pipped 7.1 seconds (20.8 to 100). Sit at 3500 RPM and dump the clutch, hold on to the wheel to stop it jumping and it's hit 7200+ RPM in about 2 seconds. And all this in an unmoddified VTS (kind of rare I know).
My friend upgraded his 106 to a Clio 172 last year and YES it definitely does go quicker to 60, but not by as much as you'd think. We haven't timed it but we both know that the 120 HP engine in the GTi/VTS is a capable little motor. I've kept up with several 172s on motorways and country roads as well so performance wise the Clio isn't that much better considering it has 52 more horses. If you look at the race track figures from EVO (in the back issues) the GTi is faster around the circuit than the 172. The MINI Cooper is the same speed as the 172 on these circuits so just imagine if it had more power.
I have driven the MINI Cooper (I haven't got one but have had several test drives) and it is not a patch on the performance of the VTS. At high speed and low speed it can't keep up. On the twisties I don't think there would be much difference really. I haven't driven the MINI in anger but I know the performance of the VTS around country roads etc. It leaves most other cars for dead and keeps up with loads more which cost 2,3 or 4 times as much (and apparently, according to the press, the 106 GTi is even better - although I don't know where they get that idea!!

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The reason that the MINI gets top in the EVO Supermini section is because of the overall package (i.e like you said the GTi is more fun). And THAT is why my name is down for a Cooper S. I have had a hot Citroen for 4 years and that is plenty (like you said its getting old)....The build is brittle, the customer service is next to useless, the residuals are just 'okay', the image is now boy racerville and I want a change!
I want a car with at least the performance that I've already got. I'm pretty sure the extra torque the S has will make it for me. The 0-60 is most likely only going to be a small difference but the 0-100 will probably be a lot better (and subsequently top end grunt). I want a car that at least has the illusion of being well built (the jury is out on the build quality at the mo, but we'll see - it may just be 1% of the total). I'd like a car that has the right looks (interior and exterior). I'd like a car that at least at the moment doesn't have a boy racer image (well almost not). I'd like a car that doesn't look like an MPV. And I want a car that will still be worth at least 10 quid in four years

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This is my idea of the only bad thing about the MINI:
The back seats and boot are too small!!
But then they're bigger than the original so what more do you want!!
Jeez this message turned out to be a bit longer than I thought, sorry about that.