Well the best thing to do is go race one and see. I thought this forum wa different but theres too many people on here it seems that start crying about there cars being slower than something when it is slightly. If u love seats then whats the
problem. Dont worry about other cars as theres always something faster. Im just telling it how it is...anyway it depends on how u define "keep up". OK it may keep up and not get dusted but it will hardly be up level with it im afraid. Talking from experience...sorry. I like golfs yes so you probably think im biased, but considering im about to ditch mine for a seat says it all so im just being honest. I just think people should accept when a car is not as fast as something. See saxos (vts) are pretty quick which you just have to admit as much as we all love to hate them im sure...
Anyway, you say that the golf only has 112bhp...well since you seem to think its all about horse power then isnt that in itself contradicting yourself, as the arosa only has only 100bhp.
However as you know its a quick car. Its not all about horse power though.
My mark one golf (with mark 2 engine standard 8 valve) roasted an arosa sport.
Mates mark 2 (weighs more) wasnt quite so obvious but still pulled away.
The 16 valve golf however...i wont even go there!
Conclusion: Arosas are nice nippy cars and shouldnt be overlooked but the golf gtis are quicker imo and on paper.