2nd gen exhaust manifold flowed better.
1st gen turbo had higher flow capacity
2nd gen turbo did spool faster
1st gen has leaky capacitor problem with ECUs
2nd gen had crank walk problems(fairly often)
1st gen made 195 hp
2nd gen made 210
All FWD turbo DSMs came with a solid beam rear axle=Gay
All AWD DSMs(always turbo) game with independant rear suspension
I could go on. In the end both gens were pretty evenly matched and had their ups and downs. It basically comes down to which look you want nowadays. Do you like the cutting look of the first gen or the sleek look of the second.
As far as a contest between a CSVT and a 1st gen. It'd be pretty good to watch. This being a stock vs stock contest I remind you. It would come down to driver.
