Get an R31 Series 3 Nissan Skyline Silhouette GTS, higher tuned RB30E (toughest)
Or, an AE86 Toyota Sprinter/Levin, with the 100kW 4AGE 1.6L (most cred)
Or, an 89 Subaru Brumby and drop an EJ20T from a WRX into it (fastest)
Or, an E30 BMW 323i coupe, with a tickled 2.3L I6 EFI to sound delicious (coolest)
Or, an AX Ford Telstar Ghia 5-speed 2.5L V6 (non AWS)
They're my preferences if I had $8k to play with, although I'd buy a Brumby and drop the EJ20 in on my own for that much, and have a weapon of car. A sleeper, too.