I can contribute a bit to this as I just restored and identical ROM + apps and all system data from an EVO hardware revision 0003 to a 0004 and noticed no difference in speed or responsiveness. So using the EXACT same software setup, performance was identical.
Obviously, I cannot speak for earlier hardware revisions though. Most of the time, they are minor changes in fabrication. For example, I've read that the 0004 revision fixed a screen bonding issue and the power button is slightly more upraised.
Unless you are comparing devices with the EXACT same rom + software and tweak, its hard to really say which is faster. I did notice the stock Sprint Rom on the new EVO was snappy. Of course, I run a LOT more stuff in the background once I get the phone the way I want it.
Here is a thread on observations and info about 0004 changes.
Quote:
Power button is higher, it is noticeably higher than my ver 0003
Volume buttons are higher as well
His capacitive buttons vibrate a bit better than mine
Epson screen
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Hardware Version 0004 - Android Forums