I just picked up an ECR33 to use for drift/drag/circuit. As has already been mentioned, it's all in the suspension tuning, depending on the types of driving you plan on doing. For me, I like doing many types, so it is critical to know how to dial this car in for whatever situation. I have been in the S-chassis for over 8 years, and it was time to get something different. The R33 just kind of materialized, and I couldn't beat the price. It was a toss up between another RPS13 or an FC3S (the thought of rebuilding due to apex seals was the biggest negative). It's been a long time since the last time I have wrenched on an R chassis. I used to own an R32 in Japan, but got out of it because of the cost of petrol (my heavy foot and penchant for drag launches). I do remember the R33 being unpopular amongst the J crowd because of the styling and the slightly longer wheelbase. You have to admit, the R33 in stock form looks like a bucket of poop, but it doesn't take much to change up the aesthetics.
Anyway, again, it's the suspension tune that makes a great drift car, not the HP rating (a well-tuned suspension can get you sideways with a little HP). Big power doesn't mean anything without it.