The only one I've driven is one of the new MC Motorsport "V8 Drive" VE's...slightly tickled 6L SS engine and I must say I was very impressed with the straight line performance. Handling was still being sorted but wasn't too bad and brakes were excellent...but this car has some trick suspension and BIG AP brakes, so is hardly standard in that context.
But at the end of the day I'd still take an STi anyday...just like the feel of a powerful compact car which is more nimble.