How about the Golf R? AWD Turbocharged 256hp with a 6-speed manual?

Spend $6.5k and it is is redeemable and that will get you a good performing car. I'm jaded with speed at this point, I can't stand driving anything that can't run 12.0 or better quarter mile times, especially turbocharged I-4s that don't make the torque down low that V8s do. There are so many better platforms (both brand new and old) that you can buy for less money that will outperform the cars listed. And I'm operating under the assumption that if you're in the market for a Golf R or something similar, you care at least a decent chunk about performance.

With an extra $7k thown into that car you could easily make a monster for the track. Stock it hits 60mph in 5.6 seconds.

[url=http://www.goapr.com/products/stage3_trans20t_ea113_awd.html]Just an example[/url] of what is available. You'll need a clutch to run that much power through the stock motor, so that'll be the extra $1,400 or so. What is monster varies person to person, but I will agree that the Golf R will make a pretty good alternative choice to a late model or new STi or Evo which it is what it is going to get priced against. Power numbers are going to be similar dollar for dollar too. Most of the AWD tuner cars are the same - once you get passed 375-380 horsepower to the wheels you start into the big money in the chase after more power.