All of those cars are cool. What the hell are you looking for Roy? Sounds like you are looking for a Golf R. The good news is you have one.
Good question and I'm having a hard time figuring it out. Just looking for a switch up. I have had the R for 3 years now, which is about the time I get antsy for a new vehicle.
Something fun to drive that's not a boat and is fast as all getout with a little modding, while having room inside. I would be set on an RS6 wagon, but Americans are too prestigious for station wagons. My SRT Magnum was an absolute blast in 2006, although slow by today's standards.
Something sleeperish and not obnoxious looking while being unique. I've had a C5, older srt, 4th gen transam, and a host of other cars (I think my count is deep into the 20s now)...all fun cars but now I've been spoiled by the VAG. Rs3 with a tune is now faster than my modded to hell transam, but looks like an understated sedan. I kind of want a proper v8 and manual gearbox for the next toy though, although I am not married to the idea.
S3/RS3 isn’t really THAT tiny. Drove my buddy’s several times before he sold it and I fit very comfortably. (6’1” 195lbs)
2017 S4 is now turbo’d vice charged. Better potential with that on a tune.
ZL1 is a two door Cadillac, who cares if it stands out?
What about back seat room and cargo carrying capacity? Looks like new s8s are stuck in the mid-high 11s right now. That's where I sit with the R.