[round_midnight]

Here's a data point for you. I have autocrossed my BDR and my 2004 BMW M3 on the same course. My best time in the BDR was 1.5 seconds slower than the M3 on a 95 second long course. The M3's time took first place in its class. Both cars were on Hoosiers and both have heavily modified suspensions. The BDR is more heavily modified, though: solid and monoball bushings throughout, big sway bars, 2+ degrees negative camber an all four wheels, 3.91 limited slip differential. Stock brakes, though. The M3 has stiffer than stock springs, adjustable shocks, adjustable camber on all four wheels, and substantially upgraded brakes.

It might also be worth noting that when I got the car, it handled like a pig. My best head-to-head time was 12-15 seconds slower than the M3 and I could hardly keep the car on the course. Now, after all the suspension and alignment work, it's like it is on rails.

Maybe that will help a little.