Erm, how? The Golf R has 9bhp less but 12ft/lb more torque than the 350, weighs at least 100kg less, has 4WD and a DSG 'box. It's limited to 155mph so I've no doubt will do that in stock form, so on no planet with even a vaguely competent driver should the 350 see which way the Golf R went in a straight line. Hell, I'd thoroughly expect the Golf to p*ss all over the 350 round the corners too.
I'd still rather own the 350 as I'd find it more fun, but I really struggle to believe that the 350 was quicker than the R