Not really much in 3.0 and 3.2, 3.0 makes it's power and more, 3.2 never makes it's power, for a number of reasons, mainly OBD2 and bhp and ps confusion.

Worth checking an insurance quote on both, see if you think the evo is worth the possibly much higher premium.
As above for vanos, no rhyme or reason to failure, some cars have had 3, others fine on original.
Don't feel that quick, so linear.
Do pick up a bit at 5k, but RR shows how linear it actually is, engine note changes at 5000 though, gets very nice.