New Old Car Time.

It's getting close to time to trade in the old Grand Prix for something significantly smaller and sportier. I must say that the Grand Prix has been one of the nicer cruising cars I have driven, and if it were smaller or less than 1.5 tons I might hold on to it for longer. Sadly this is not the case, and I must go off in search of pastures that accelerate and handle a bit more responsively.

I have three criteria for the new used car, all of which need to be fulfilled, plus a bonus:

1. The car must be small, sporty, and moderately efficient.
   
2. The car must have a manual transmission.
3. The car must have a good deal of character.
4. (Bonus - not required) Convertible top.
   

Here's what I have been looking at thus far, ordered approximately from most desirable to least:

• Volkswagen Corrado
  
• BMW 325is (1992-95)
• Saab 9000 (preferably turbo)
• Volkswagen Scirocco
• Mazda RX-7 (1982-85 Wankel version only)
• Pontiac Fiero
  
• Audi A4 (1994-95)
  

I've checked out a bunch of other stuff too, a Miata is just barely on the edge of the 'character' category, but for the right price might be an option. The Escort was a great car, but I really did not feel happy about owning it, as it was about as boring as you can get in regard to style. Larger BMWs and Mercedes Benz cars would be nice, but would break out of the efficiency criteria.

Anybody have any suggestions? Any weird little sporty cars that you owned that you don't see very often on the road?

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