Dude, take it from someone who has rode in one Get an MR-2 like a 95 man the place where i used to live at was in ferrum and my buddy had one that just had drop springs and like a set of 205 40 17 kumhos with a 17inch wheel and that bastard drove just like a go cart. we could hang most all of the curves on haw patch rd and never drop under 80 and they were some pretty tight curves. It really impressed me, to have not that great of tires on it and it never squealed once. Of course the dude driving was crazy as shit and i have never road with him since then but. If you have the balls to drive it like you stole the bastard then this would be the car for you

 

Drive like that constantly for 20 minutes and see if you can stop or if you have any tires left.

 

and i am just saying with what you pay for it is hard to beat the handling of a M to R car and with little under 2 grand you can have a nice set of tires and a BBK so you dont roast the stock rotors and pads. I think they could outdrive alot of rwd cars. and you just cant beat toyota engines.

 

mr2 = rwd
mr2 = engine in the back

 

what he said =)

 

I'd go out and look for several things, all depending on your taste:

1. 1st gen Rx7 - known to be great track cars.
2. Mr2 - Drives like a go cart, mid engine, rwd. Need I say more?
3. BMW e30 - I'm biased, but I know a lot of people who love them as track cars.
4. Miata - Fun cars to drive, and good looking once you get over the girl aspect.
5. Audi Quattro - An interesting alternative , awd so you get some fun there.

These are not all the choices at all, people who have mentioned old mopars are pretty knowledgeable, so I'd listen to them (its not my taste, but you can't knock their performance for the $$). I just tried to give you a list of a few of my favorites.

 

RABBIT GTI DAMNIT!

 

blah, 1st or 2nd gen CRX Si!!

 

Bring your "Type Arrrr" out and I'll show you what VW is all about

 

like others have said....no matter what car you drive, the brakes, safety, and cooling system are the parts that really matter. speed will come with smoothness and the ability to maintain momentum.

try to keep your car light. it will be easier on wear items like tires, pads, bushings, etc...which means you can be out there driving instead of changing out parts in the pits and/or spending money

once your car is able to handle being beat on for a full session on track (20 minutes or so at a time) reliably...spend whatever money is left over on more seat time or more driving schools. its money better spent than making your car faster in the beginning. also, don't rule out autocrossing entirely...although its not nearly as fun as being on track, its good for keeping your reaction times fast.

now i just realized i didn't even answer your question! snatch up a cheap-o EF hatch, s13 240, or miata. they meet all the requirements for a solid foundation to build on, and many people have expertise about them for track racing.