I'm driving a JDM BF 4WD original and I have to agree the experience is totally different from FF.
You can feel the difference when you're taking a corner at normal speed. You can even floor the throttle half way thru the corner without sufferring from understeer.
Technically 4WD guzzle more fuel than FF; due to heavier drivetrain resistance, but somehow I can hit max 420km for RM 50 (before the price hike)
Chassis is relatively weak for the local made mazda/fords. But take a look at the JDM models and you'll notice the differences between the both. For instance, the most visible difference would be the anti-rust finishing on the roof. ;)
Jez my 2 cents :)