How was it more hardcore??? Because it had big flated arches and a set of spotlights??

A S2 was more toned down to match the fact it "only" had 130bhp. A S1 was a bit far fetched vs a s2. An S2 is miles better looking, even had a nicer interior, 90spec kits where the best and the had an lsd. So imho an s2 was a better all round car. Regret not finished mine!!