I wonder if one could make a better sporty car, in some sense, by ignoring all of these numbers and just focusing on making a car that is great to drive. It would have good numbers of course, but would just feel better.
Let the numbers play out without worry.
On occasion of course, I'll get on it a bit in the GTI in say second gear on an entrance ramp or whatever, and I find I'm going over 60 so fast that I need to let off, and that isn't a particularly quick car. I don't really have much of a chance to stay on it for more than 2-3 seconds unless I start from a standstill, and that is rare.
The other thing I value in a car with a manual is the ability to climb Interstate grades without downshifting, low end torque.