If you want too stick with Tamiya have a look at my Vintage racer
http://www.tamiyaclub.com/showroom_m...66645&id=18028
it's basically an Astute with some Madcap parts and the availability of spares is good especially on Ebay.
Have a look at this thread for more info
http://www.tamiyaclub.com/forum/inde...l=works+astute
and this link for a how to build it guide
http://www.tamiyaclub.com/article.asp?id=94
and have no doubt these cars do perform.
If you would be happy to try a different manufacturer why not try a Schumacher Top Cat / Cougar or even a Kyosho Ultima Pro all great performers.
As for 4wd you won't go wrong with a Pro Cat or Lazer, of course all this depends on the restrictions your vintage class has.