I'll agree with you guys that FWD isn't all that great. But have any of you driven a well balanced FWD car with an LSD? The LSD makes a HUGE difference in the car's handling characteristics. I had a blown MKIII GTI VR6 with a quaiffe, and let me tell you, that thing could corner like it was on rails. Of course sliding is still out of the question... but go into a corner and mash it, and as the LSD transfers power to the outside wheel, the car just powers through the corner with no tire slipping.
Although the WRX is faster around most twisties, I have to say, that the GTI with the LSD was very quick, if not quicker than the WRX through 90* and tighter turns. Before the LSD, it was complete garbage though.

I test drove an 03 SRT a while back, and was very impressed with the power output, even with 4 people in the car, one of whom was over 300lbs. The handling was complete ***, as is to be expected with an open diff FWD car. I'd love to give an 04 a try, although I doubt I would ever own one.

-- Ed