the difference in lower-end torque will be a good bit...I've driven stock GTI VR6s and my car, an SE which has the same torque as a GSR, and I can tell you the torque difference in noticeable. GSRs have i believe 127lb-ft stock, and I'm sure VR6s have more that that...bigger displacement, more cylinders.

what's certainly fun about integras is their rev-happiness. I'm not entirely sure, but I think the redline on non-vtec 'tegs is higher than on VR6s, and redline on GSRs is like 1k higher than the non-vtec 'tegs, so with a GSR you're gonna get a higher redline...and there's also the sounds of the secondary intake manifold runners kicking in, then VTEC kicking it in (not very noticeable on stock GSRs)...which are always fun

as far as handling, I think that a GSR would prolly do a bit better than a GTI VR6 when modded, primarily because of the weight difference...I'm not sure about exact numbers, but I'm pretty sure the integras are lighter overall. also, with regards to weight...in my eyes, integras look perfectly fine with 15" wheels, whereas GTIs look better with 16" or 17", just cause of the lines of the car...what I'm talking about here is rotating mass, where it's a lot easier to get lightweight 15" wheels, but harder (and more expensive) to get lightweight 16" or 17" wheels...I got 15x7 Falken Hanabis (weigh only 11lbs each!) wrapped in 205/50 R15 Falken Ziex ZE512s, and I am definitely noticing a huge difference with the 5-lbs less rotating mass at EACH corner, not to mention that those tires have ridiculously outclassed my stock suspension, and they're like middle of the range UHPAS tires (cost me $50-some each)...aah, the advantages of not heavy cars...

as you can see, there's a lot of ups and downs with each car, so I'd suggest you find a dealership with a GSR and test drive it...see if you like it.

I feel as though i could go on forever about differences and comparing these two cars, so if you want, feel free to PM, email, or IM me whenever you want.

PM: (duh, the button)
email: mendbr02@gettysburg.edu
IM (AIM): KaBlookie

hope this helps some man, and good luck with lookin for your new car!

Peace
--Brian