IFS does not handle better on the road! My 80 can rail the corners compared to an ifs rig, I've checked 
There is more to "handling" than just grip. Your live axle keeps the tires square with the road even if the body leans, while a typical IFS setup will let the tires roll over into positive camber as the vehicle leans. That reduces the contact patch and consequently reduces grip. The cure is a more aggressive camber curve and more roll stiffness, but the camber curve plays hell with things when you're not cornering, and increasing roll stiffness end up...well...sort of riding like a live axle vehicle
Live axles are fine for going fast on a dead smooth road with no significant bumps. Throw a few potholes or severe elevation changes in there and watch that unsprung weight bounce you right into the ditch...
Nate, I still need to get you behind thee wheel in the MR2. It's a whole different world. And, thanks to low unsprung weight, it doesn't become a pinball if it hits a little wiggle in the pavement.
It's that Cadillac ride, can't beat it. Sadly only 1% actually use the 4wd in their vehicle more than once or twice so to make them ride better they went to IFS.
Aaaaaand that's the end of the discussion.
