[redpoint5]

I know very little about these cars.

I'm not one to comment or care much about aesthetics, but the Type R is atrocious and offensive. The si follows that style a bit too much also, so Mustang wins aesthetically.

If it were me, I'd probably take the money I'd spend on a new car and instead get a used Corvette. They get pretty decent fuel economy for their performance. Apparently the C6 Z06 can be found around $30k, and the car will get 28 MPG on the highway.

A used Elise can be had near those prices too, if you care nothing of creature comforts...

Actually, I'd get a motorcycle for fun ($2k), and a used Prius for grocery getting.