i have always been thinking about those numbers (03/04 AT-05/06 AT), isnt it exactly the same engine?? where does the 20 extra hp comes from?

 

The engine in the 05+ (and maybe -) 6mt sedan's & coupes has a lot of bunch of improvements and features which the non-revup motors don't have.

 

not on the track no.
but the rwd sedan does have more potential.

i am sure that they both have there performance ups and downs.

on the street, my modified x took a stock 6 speed by a fender

 

You were lucky. I drive on the track and can promise you the X is much slower due to weight and powertrain loss. The 6mt and auto RWD is faster.

 

^^1
yea, in a straight line, that instance was the exception.

but can you verify C&D claims that the stock AWD model took quicker laps than the stock auto rwd?

 

The Car & Driver article ticked me off because it's BS, IMO. The RWD G they tested was an auto. You could tell this because it was outfitted with 17" rims. This also means the RWD G they tested did not have the Sport package which comes with 18" wheels and much stickier rubber. This means the RWD G sedan they tested had the crappy EL42 tires and non-Sport suspension. Granted the X does have the same crappy tires and no Sport suspension available, but it's AWD can overcome those issues. However, if they were to have used a RWD 5AT with the Sport suspension, it would have exceeded the X. They noted that the RWD car was extremely tail happy and was why it was slower. Well, with the right rubber, the RWD isn't remotely as tail happy.