Im not sure that is true anymore, or perhaps its just cause i know so many people into novas that my view is skewed, but there seems to be load and loads of 2.0 16v ones knocking about near me.
Most of the chavs and boyracers seem to have moved onto saxos and novas are now starting to get owned by people in their 20s with a few quid to spend on them etc.

I guess its like people on this forum probably think of an RST as something that will normally be in very good nick and fairly quick, but most of the ones ive encoutnered have been rusty, slow and puffing oil out the back, all down to what circles (or ovals!) you mix with i guess?