FN2R is properly one of the faster chassis out there using a k20z despite using a inferior mac strut at front and torsion beam axle at the rear + the weight of it. Im guessing when clarkson tested it back then it was the model without the lsd and the ep3r had lsd which isnt a fair fight. To be honest i think the k20z wise has more potential then the k20a i remember reading something about the k20z using has more restrictions in exhaust area due to it being a newer engine. If you watch one of the best motoring vids the FN2R if modded correct will keep up to fd2r that are tune to similar levels. The spoon fn2r was only few place behind the Spoon EK9 which we all know is the fastest k20 machine .
The ep3r is a great car but i wouldnt say the fn2r isnt comparable as you get a much better interior + smooth ride for lil lack in performance.
The fn2r owns my s2k cause it has 4 and i repeat it again "4" cup holders which makes me jelly as :C
If you can afford the 09 models get them as im sure it was then that they came with LSD standard and is much better car to drive
good luck mann