New one is also 5k towing.I did some 0-60 runs using my Dragy and of I remember it was in the 8 sec range...not bad to me for a big vehicle. The VR is smooth and sounds good. The new Evo gen 4 turbo 4 will have more go but the 3.6 VR can tow up to 5K lbs. It's got plenty of power if you don't drive it like a grandma.
EA888 doesn’t have issues towing that much. It was more decision by VW to sell with VR6.