If you were canceling out the miata because of head room then I think you should take a look at the brand new miatas. They are a few hundred pounds heavier but they still move like a mini rocket and has a very surprising amount of room. I am 6'3 and I had plenty of room to spare in that car.

Also, have you considered the Mazda Speed 6?

*Edit- Just saw you wanted to get away from AWD.