Yeah, Vi-RS has bloated price tag imo, while Vi is almost the same as the Vi-RS except it's newer,has added bling (and maybe has a slight difference on suspension components)
1) 1.45mln upwards? No idea
2) 96-98 EK3 Vtecs are Vi (or VTi?), unlessed it's a swap.
3) Check the VIN tag on the car, it might have EK3 Vi mentioned on it. And these cars came with D15B 3rd stage Vtec, which has two Vtec solenoids.
p.s: I haven't driven a Vi-RS, so don''t count on me