One word: LAG! Ever driven a turbo car? Turbo's shine on stretches where you can rip through the high RPM's.
Depending on turbo size most dont spool till about 3000-4500rpm's. The Type-R doesnt make its full power till after about 4500-5000rpm's. As said they have short gears, so thats a plus. The B18 turbo will have more power and torque so thats a plus if you have LSD. If you dont your screwed.
Although you said there both equal drivers people make mistakes. One mistake will cause you or who ever to lose (or win if its the other person with the mistake).
Both drivers would have to keep the rpms high to keep the power when needed.