Difference with the Speed 3, being turbo significant hp gains are easy and affordable. The NA dub? not so much.

Dubs do handle well. Germans have that whole firm-yet-compliant suspension thing dialed in. Japenese haven't figured that one out yet.

The biggest advantage I noticed with my car was the flat torque curve...it makes it a little more fool proof going into hard corners and elevation changes....that and the awd helps make this thing a little more "sure" footed in corners...

With just an intake on the speed, he'll add another 30 hp 30 ftlb. Definitly an advantage there

Right now, with Grassroots working on a 3 lately, your buddy has pretty much all the proven testing and info he should need for the easy upgrades.

R32 Turbo System by Streetwerke over priced but damn.

I'm probably going this route...little more wallet friendly

VF-Engineering - Forced Induction Systems for Volkswagen, Audi, BMW and Porsche

Very clean car and I'm sure you won't have any major problems with it. My brother picked up an 08 GTI today, the thing is a dream to drive.