The mk4 163ps is a bit "gutless" and you have to "thrash" it in 1st so it does not drop out of the power in 2nd/ or there is a "knack" to it, the 140ps has a little bit better bottom-end /midrange power/torque so is not quite as bad, if you get the car remapped it can give it better torque low-down which also may mean less gearchanges and it may pull the next gear up (eg 2nd instead of 1st at junctions if the car is "rolling")
A tuning box can also boost bottom end power (often more than a remap) these often get negative press but i used one for years with no problem and it made a massive difference to the low- down torque (you get what you pay for with tuning boxes, mine cost £330, a £7 would not have worked so well)