More performance in terms of ghz is no longer applicable, ESPECIALLY when trying to compare a P4 with new technology.
The Q9550 you are looking at will be a huge improvement over your P4, simply huge. And 4 cores will go a long ways to getting years of use out of it.
The new processors do more work per clock cycle, much more efficient, and mutli-cored to boot. Your old P4 is completely outclassed pitted against them.
If you know anything about autos, it is kind of like saying I won't trade in my 72 chevy with the 454 cubic inch engine until they come up with an engine that has more cubic inches. There used to be an old saying at the race track, "there's no replacement for displacement". It is a saying forgotten now by all but the old timers, like me I reckon.
Engines now are half the size, use half the gas, a quarter of the emissions, but crank out the same horsepower.