I'd say go the R, you could solve the problem of your exfriend having one by doing a JDM front conversion??? then again even if you want a pimpin car a mega dropped R doesn't look that bad (at the sacrifice of handling, but you still got the power)...
Then again I think many ppl here underestimate the H22As potential, a decently worked H22A with the right mods ;) can give the R a run for it's money. after all it is 360cc more to work with :)
