It could also have just been 1987. If you drove a VW GTI of today back then, it would seem pretty hot, as well.
I don't doubt it could have been warmed over, though I suspect it wasn't exactly what you remember. I knew lots of people that had fast cars back in the day, and I mean FAST, but if driven in anger today, would cause the WRX kid next to you to point and laugh. I bet my '87 was pretty quick, then...
Or maybe I'm just nuts.
