The R1/R2 models had a slightly stiffer suspension (including an additional front strut bar) and dual oil coolers.
Better for racing? Depends on what type of racing. Won't make a difference in drag/street racing. With open track racing/driving, the dual oil coolers will keep your oil temps lower.
Keep this in mind: When looking at a 10 year old car, things like suspensions don't mean a darn thing unless it's already been replaced/upgraded. If you are purchasing a 10 year old car with original suspension equipment, it will most likely need to be replaced. Most aftermarket parts these days will be better and cheaper than the original OEM equipment (as more than 10 years of design and engineering has past for the OEM stuff). So, for instance you can get a base, touring, pep/peg model; upgrade the suspension; and it will be better than what the original OEM equipment was for the stock R-models. I would encourage you that if you purchased a FD, drive the car stock for while before you do any suspension changes. Most people spend money on suspension parts for no other reason then to add to their mod list. Learn the car as it is, and then learn how to change the car to suit and enhance your driving.
Just to recap, the dual oil cooler is the main addition to the R models that really sets them apart. However, you can easily add a second oil cooler to non-R models or just upgrade the stock single oil cooler. As I said earlier about the dual oil coolers, it won't make a bit of difference unless you put the car on the track with some road racing/driving.
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