AWD helps a ton in not burning out in a race as well...

I know you said you don't have the money, but have you thorougly researched the WRX? It is my favorite car, ever, so obviously I am biased... but it has many features over the SRT-4. STi ownz haha, too bad its over 30k.

BTW, the mods I listed above will make your car faster than the SRT-4.