I never said that the VRP-1200 would be better than the CHT-12. I was just explaining that there can be other factors that come into play. However, for more money (retail) the CHT-12 should outperform the VRP-1200, as you have found to be true.
Also, an 8" driver is not "faster" than a 12" driver. An eight will play higher up the frequency band more accurately (like above 100hz because of a smaller cone having to cover less distance, which is frequency dependent) but other than that, it is not faster. If an 8" subwoofer plays a 35hz note faster than a 12" driver (meaning it moves faster than 35 cycles per second) it would not be producing 35hz any more therefore rendering it inaccurate. By "faster", I am also assuming you mean transient response. In many cases people will perceive a smaller woofer to be "faster" because it has a higher crossover point, plays higher up the frequency band, and /or may actually have a peaky response curve.