My '02 is just reaching 65K and the dreaded timing belt failure possibilities. I'm wondering if anyone knows if there is any less incident of failure on the 180hp engines than on the 225hp engines. I was thinking that the 180hp is also used on the VW and have never heard of major problems with that car. Any thoughts?

Due to valve clearance (or lack thereof) you are risking major engine damage if you break a timing belt, and since it is most likely to break at speed, you'll be picking up engine parts with a shovel and broom.  Around $1000 to have it replaced now, versus replacing the engine later. I replaced the timing belt in my 2002 coupe at 79,000, and it actually looked to be in pretty good shape.

So you gotta ask yourself, do you feel lucky?

It's not just the belt that can kill you.  Tensioner and water pump failure will have the same $5K result.  The parts are the same for the 180 and 225 and the 225 puts no additional stress on these non-load components.  Anyone who goes over 60K or 5 years is taking a big chance in a loser's lottery.  Do the math.  Skipping the maintenance now in the hope that it lasts until 95K saves you about 3 cents per mile in maintenance cost- a bet for suckers.

Wasn't really asking if I should or should not, just if anyone knows why the VW with the same engine doesn't have the same problem.

My understanding is the 1.8T VW engine has exactly the same problem. If the timing belt breaks, or even just slips, valves hit the pistons and the rest is history!