I had both the Ed (stage1) and the .:R for a while and I always took the keys for the .:R !
Found the .:R to be more refined, with instant throttle response and no turbo lag, so great for setting off at lights and roundabouts.
Plus with the 4wd, you can just press the go pedal and not worry about dreaded wheelspin.
A far better drive with a far better spec from standard.
Handling wise the Ed feels slightly lighter but theres not much in it.
Brakes wise the .:R wins hands down. The Ed's brakes were a joke.
And the noise... well there was no competition with the noisy rattly diesel-esque 2.0T versus the silky smooth V6 wail !
All in all the Ed is a great car, and far better than a normal GTI. But still no match for the.:R32