Help Me Choose a New Car
 

So, the Protege's pretty high mileage. And it's my brothers. He's pushing me to get rid of it because the next insurance payment is in March, and he wants it gone by then. I'd like to keep it for auto-x, which I hope to start next year. Whether this happens depends on how good a job I get (hopefully soon, job market sucks :( ) , but I digress...

I'm considering 3 cars (only need to be stick-shift, RWD, and fun):

1) Miata; early '90s. I'd be able to get rid of the Pro and use the Miata for auto-x. I'm confident in the reliability of these cars, and they're known for being fun. Plus, convertible doesn't hurt. 'Nuff said.

2) E36 BMW 325is; 1992-1995. This is more practical, faster, and doesn't give up much in the handling/fun department. Will be more expensive to buy and maintain, plus I'd be more worried about reliability, even more so if I auto-x it. But it's definately cooler than the Miata. I love the E36 Bimmers. I'd stay b/t '92 and '95 b/c they have a more tunable ECU, in case I get an urge to mod it down the line.

3) Thunderbird SC; 1989-1997. I'm expecting flames for this one, but I'm serious. I'd prefer the '94-95 models b/c they tweaked the engine and added a nicer dashboard (The earlier dash is very bland), but all years are pretty much the same. I like the style of the T-Bird as much if not more than the 325is, and the 3.8L Supercharged V6 is by far the most powerful motor. Sure, it averages 17mpg, is pretty heavy, and isn't exactly tossable. But did you guys know that it pulls .85 lateral g's and has a 61mph slalom that rivals MR2's and RX-7 Turbos? (1989 R&T test). And it has low 15's in the 1/4mile. I'd say it handles that weight pretty well. It's a cruiser, no doubt, but I'd try to auto-x it if I can't keep the Pro.

So, there you have it. Obviously, I have pretty diverse tastes. I wouldn't be surprised if this place heavily favors the Miata, but I figured I'd see what the opinions would be here. Thanks for the opinions.:)

Don't be shy, folks! Any thoughts?

BMW :D

what he said.. and no qualms about the thunderbird.. either than the fact it's ford..and aside from the fact it'd be equivalent to a tank in auto-crossing :) the bmw would own, but if money is an issue, the miata would suffice as well.
peace