Harry7, I have always thought of the Lotus Elise with a modified engine. But, the Elise has narrow rear tires, limiting it's ability to put all the power down. If you give the car wider rear tires, you would upset the car's handling abilities (more understeer). The Evo has all wheel drive, allowing maximum power to the wheels from a stand still. All wheel drive is the best for stand-start acceleration with street tires in most ways, except for, weight.
DFWSBR, one of the problems with the Evo is the high maintenance costs due to expensive costs. Speaking to an Evo mechanics, these high costs are due to stupid, abusive drivers. Any car can last a along time without malfunction if they are driven responsibly. I haven't seen any recalls for the Evo, by the way.