I actually meant to say 6 speed is bad for racing at a 1/4 mile track.
The evo 9 really does not have much different power output than the 03-05 models. the mivec really helps down low and makes a ,ore broad torque curve than the earlier years. However, it is not tq that gets you down the track it is the HP and it is about the same.
The aluminum roof was available in the 05 model RS and there is the weight savings.
Off hand I have about 5 friends with Evos from 03's to 05's and a very close friend of mine has a very rare evo 7. All of which are modified, some a little and some more than others.
I have yet to see or hear of anyone getting a 12 sec slip out of a bone stock 9 and no one even getting to 105, nevermind higher than that. The car is still plagued with a wimpy clutch. They are using the same pressure plate from the 90-99 DSM which is only 200hp or so.