I read it thanks Jay, fully understood that your 150lbFt car is being outdragged by diesel cars with more torque and that they can achieve that at low engine speeds whilst you're still waiting for your engine to wake up and join the party. I think it's you who hasn't understood what the car is or maybe how to get the best out of it.
It's not hard to figure out is it, say you're in second gear doing 30MPH at around 4,000RPM for example and your engine is probably making something like 120lbFt, if that, at that point. The big oil burning VAG thing next to you at the same speed in second or third gear will be making more torque at a lower engine speed. You both put your foot down, you're below the powerband but he isn't so his takes off like a stabbed rat and yours goes "bwaaaaarrr" whilst it's waiting for the cams to lift and give you some grunt. Thus leaving you rocking in your seat and swearing about how slow your hot hatch is.
It isn't slow (unless yours is poorly, has the cambelt been changed and if so is the timing correct), they're not bad at all in a straight line but it's not their strongpoint either. In gear times aren't too bad either all things considered but you have to keep them on the boil, i.e; above 5,500RPM. That engine comes alive on track or on a good road, as a package the car is untouchable for the price point.