Bit of a technical questions I hope you guys can help me out.

It's already posted in the "newbie" sections, but I suspect I will have more luck here.

Long story short, I'm looking to get myself a new car and at the moment the 2010 R36 Passat Wagon or the 2011 V6 FSI Highline Wagon are both top of the list.

I'm trying to work out which one is best for my needs/wants.

The key thing I am interested in, is what are the differences between the R36 and the Highline under the bonnet?

On paper both look to be identical in configuration, displacement, hardware, power and torque, but the R36 needs 98RON while the Highline 95RON.

I mean, I know a tune would allow for this, but it strikes me as weird to have a different tune that only accomplishes being able to use a lower octane fuel.

Thanks in advance!