The GTE 16v Astra was a fast car, but the chassis and handling was terrible. That, and the cyliner heads went porous. My neighbour had one and I remember it being blindingly quick (back then it really was quick!), but I remember the flex and roll when it cornered too!
Out the box, the GTE 16v was 20bhp more than the RST, but a chip donned on the RST sorted that out easily. Prob with the RST was the exhausts went as quick as the engine - the standard exhaust on the RST would not last one year without blowing!
I think the Escort Cosworth was more Ford than the Lotus was Vauxhall though as the Escort was basically a cut and shut Sierra RS Cosworth, which itself, originated with the basic mechanics of a Capri/Cortina but with a turbo strapped on to a transit block!
The VX220 is def the best car both firms curently offer, but who could honestly buy it and live with it day to day?! If I could fit in it, I think I would be scared a lorry never saw it and reversed over it!
Like has already been said however a Focus Cosworth is the only car I would consider from either, if it was available. However, going by the prices of the RS Focus, I doubt much change will be had from ?30k, and thats a lot of money for a Ford, especially when there are things in this world called Evo's!