Doesn't feel fast cause it's suppose to run on 98 as a minimum, 95 octane means there is stuff all timing in the tune, so what Simon has done, is infact to make your engine last because of the lower octane fuel.
There isn't anything wrong with a ba engine provided it's had regular servicing and a good tune , as well as the btr 4 speed built and serviced frequently , mines been going for 4 yrs now and not a problem as yet.