I'm not sure the 2.0 is 'belaeguered' as it's a car that can hold it's own. Wootz had little problem over a spirited 200 mile run through Wales in his 2.0 up against a bank of 3's and ///M's, so it can hack it with the rest.
Where you gain is insurance, price, maybe servicing and perhaps on fuel. Downside is it's a 4 and sounds like it. It does lack power for that accelerating overtaking pass, but most of all imho is that the larger engines tend to be way better specced not only from the factory, but by wealthy first owners with wheels, lights, trim level, options, etc, but drop in value real quick in the first couple of years and you end up with a way better spec car for not that much more.
Personally I'd always take an older but better engined and specced model knowing it's likley to have been better invested in and less wragged to get performance. What's most important is to get the car for what you want and need based on age (car and driver) price, use, insurance, etc. but having tried out a few different one's to jusdge for yourself what matters.
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