Just saw someone rallying a 911 and it got me thinking - what car would be the optimal balance between affordability, speed, exoticness and parts availability?
Good point engine wise, but I recall that they are made of fibreglass, no? I'd imagine that's not easy to fix/replace due to the nature of the chassis under rally conditions.
end it here. No better value in power out of the box, bolt on affordability, aftermarket support, and track ability out of the box - although I only consider this to include C5 ZO6 to C8.
Corvette. Probably C5 or C6 because the newer ones are still too expensive.. and the only C4 I’d get if affordability/parts availability were factors would be the later LT1 models because the early ones were underpowered unless you got the ZR-1 then it is insanely fast (super car fast for it’s era) but I don’t imagine the LT5 is an easy engine to maintain or get parts for.
A lot of the factors you are talking about depend on where in the world you are. An older Mustang, like SN95 or S197 is not exotic in the U.S, but it's got speed, affordability, and parts availability. But go to Europe, and it's now fairly rare and exotic, and parts availability is much less. You can't just go to a junkyard and grab an engine block from an F150 in Europe.
911 is an amazing rally car. You can easily drive them sideways all day long. The balance that can be so terrifying on the street is the most predictable and controllable thing you can drive on a dirt road, IMO
Corvettes always hit that mark. Something that a lot of people can work to buying in their lives (especially when considering used). Quite fast, looks "exotic" to some (even though they are incredibly common). Parts are easy because it's a Chev.
The answer for "what's the best value" is always a corvette. Pick your price range and get a c5z, c6z etc. I've had 3 corvettes. They're just unbeatable if performance and reliability are your metrics.
Toyota were actually working along these lines before group b got cancelled, the 222D was going to enter the group S replacement for group b but it never happened.
I think the answer is already in your title, it's the 911. A subtle sports car, with variants that offer super car matching (or besting) performance, large dealer network and aftermarket, somewhat exotic, reliable and reasonably priced.
I think this is right. Buy a couple generations old as they hit the bottom of their depreciation curve for ~$35k (not cheap, no) and they will hold their value as you beat on em. They're pretty reliable if they don't have the fabled IMS, too.
this is the correct answer, there are already rally parts out there for them, so you could source everything you need. I can see a 911 on a rally stage, whether tarmac or loose surface. I can't see a corvette. . . There's a reason they have seldom if ever raced on a rally stage.
Unrelated to the post but what about normal Fiesta? They're quite affordable and can get them relatively newer than anything else (that's in my price range). But heard people saying they constantly break down
Wish I could agree, but I think we can deduce based on all other hot hatch values they will not be “future classics” since there are so many FWD hot hatches produced throughout the years. Think GTI, SRT4, Integra, CRX, etc. literally almost all hot hatches won’t appreciate because they are so overly mass produced. Maybe in 50 years for the special ones...maybe, but I doubt their appreciation keeps up with inflation or other obvious millennial classics such as S2000, Evo, STI, Type R, Fox bodies, Mk3/4 Supra, Rx-7, etc.
I'm thinking Impreza might be the answer. Great driving car, AWD, cult following, parts are ridiculously cheap and easy to find, but you can also get legit rally parts that have been sitting on the shelf for 20 years.
The Caman? It's like a 911 but with better weight distribution. But if you are talking rally, a FWD car will almost always be faster than a RWD car on a gravel rally course.
The Cayman is still pretty expensive, but otherwise I agree with you. I think many people believe it’s the best sort of modern sports car as far as traditional 2 seaters are concerned
Old V8 Vantage. Pretty cheap, parts are pretty easy to come by, (repairs can be a little much, but it's reliable). It's quick, and very exotic. That's my pick, though I may be biased...
People don’t realize the cars are very solid. Lots of easy fixes can be done by average Joe. Think of it as a British vette. Trans axle, very similar setup. Lots of parts can be had from jag and Land Rover suppliers for much cheaper than Aston. We did a full clutch job ourselves and so I got very familiar with that car.
996 reliable? with potential bore scoring, IMS and RMS fail is definitely not reliability icon, unless you buy one that had engine rebuild and other issues sorted
Maserati Quatrtoporte, absolutely dirt cheap, meaning you can buy 4/5 for parts, working one them is not to bad (discounting electrics) and you can imagine the sound of a Ferrar derived v8 round a dirt track
Mazda rx8, great handling, cheap to buy (not very cheap to run but cheap to buy somewhat offsets that), quick enough to have some fun on some nice roads but won't be a drag racer. Good for track use and parts are easy to get from people breaking cars or buying new. Pretty rare car too as not many left now. They have a soft spot in my heart, I fully understand why people don't like or avoid them. One of the most fun and engaging cars I have driven, plus 9,000rpm redline is pretty sweet
They have enough space in the engine bay to LS swap them, so you can get one with a blown engine for cheap and put something which lasts longer in there.
Agree with most other people in here that it has to be a corvette. It’s the sweet spot in every way. Buying price is in the middle, parts are relatively affordable/available, great performance.
I think I’ve seen someone say this but I would go for either the Audi TT RS with its 4WD. It is like a mini R8. And the other one that I would go for is maybe the Nissan 350z with its V6 turbo power RWD. I don’t think it would need a lot of changing maybe the ride height.
Porche's have always been the go to for what you are asking. It used to be used 911's, prices have moved up so now it's more along the lines of used Caymans and Boxsters. But they are very, very, well built, reliable machines that will keep going for as long as you maintain them. Some things can get expensive on them, but they are not Ferrari territory. I would say the Evora also meets this, unless you need a new clutch or you get into a minor fender bender. At least the drivetrain is bullet proof and easy to maintain.
I bought a 2001 Audi Allroad with the 6 speed manual, swapped the air ride to coil overs, lifted it 2.75” with custom aluminum lift blocks and threw some 30” BFGs on it. So far, parts have been relatively cheap and easy to get. It’s already tuned to 300hp but I am thinking of going to a K04 kit soon and bringing that to around 400. Working on the car isn’t that bad, suspension was actually super easy! Engine is kinda a bitch to work on though . I pulled the core support and changed everything I could while also taking care of the timing belt. The engine will absolutely need to come out for the turbos though. Next step is to cut everything behind the front seats and make a little bed/storage area. I’ll let you know how she handles her first couple trips, hopefully going out in a week.
If we're talking rallying, most of the suspension will be completely changed, so suspension parts are a non-issue. Thus, we only have to take into consideration the body, the engine, and the transmission.
Alfa romeo guila qv in verde montreal. It's not super expensive, it's fast and parts are somewhat available plus you don't see one very often. It has to be one of the best price/ performance, looks, rarity ratios at this time.
An '88 Fiero GT. The best year for this car, and you can't beat the balance, low CG, and handling, especially with great tires. If you can "breathe" on the engine a bit according to the rules, there are some good performance enhancements available.
I would probably say a supra, decently fast, exotic etc, but the main selling point is the 🖕 factor to all those lowered loud curb scraping crybaby supras.
Alfa Giulia Veloce, at least here in Europe. Priced like a mid level 3 series, almost 300hp, looks like an exotic, drives wonderfully, parts are cheap and available (the last points may apply to Europe only)
From the perspective of "rare for the trim," you might be right. Most people would just see a Camaro or Mustang though, and I'd put the ZL1 1LE above the SS as more exotic and performant without breaking the bank.
Mazda speed protege. Has awesome handling and can pretty easily be K swapped for more power potential. I drive a regular protege and It is extremely difficult to coax out the rear wheels on a tight turn. Full independent suspension, manual option, unibody construction, etc. the regular mazdaspeed engine has a single turbo and puts out about 170 hp. I think I paid 5k for a perfect condition 88000 mile one.
For a minute there I thought you meant the ur-quattro Audi S1 rally car - that would not be particularly cheap to run. 😂 Would be fast though! And exotic!!
Depending on your definition of "exotic" (it's not traditional exotica like a Lamborghini or Ferrari even if it is rare) and "affordable" (it's cheap compared with a Porsche, not so much compared with a Fiesta ST) , the Ariel Nomad fits the bill.
I know this won't be a popular choice, but a 1st generation Mitsubishi Eclipse/Eagle Talon. AWD, turbo, engine that can hold 500hp without so much as cracking the valve cover. Cheap, with HUGE aftermarket support. I think it looks spectacular, but I'm probably in the minority.
For rallying or just in general? if for rallying I'd find an early 2 door Impreza., add some dirt tires, upgrade the suspension and a light bar. If just in general I'd go with a VW Corrado. Weird enough for people to look twice, but affordable enough to be able to find parts for an engine swap.
A Factory Five Racing 818c would probably be good. Mid engine rwd manual transmission. The kit is ~$25k fully equipped and the Subaru doner car for the build can be found for $5k or less. The downside is that you have to build it yourself, the upside is that not many people have a FFR 818. Subaru parts are easy to find and there are plenty of aftermarket options too. The 818 also looks similar to a Porsche and you can get a high power output with some tinkering. All and all you could build a decent car for under $30k
exoticness is the antithesis of rally driving. in contrast, to have a rally car, manufacturers have to sell a certain amount of a line for it to even qualify. this prerequisite is screwing up any hot takes. imo.
My personal pick is SVT Cobras. I own a Mystic variant and it has enough power to put me in my seat, get looks at car meets and parts are readily available as it is still at its roots, a mustang.
Always been a muscle guy but 2nd gen Camaro’s. They are ALL interchangeable, from first to last year of gen2 camaros. The price is decent for the power, there’s lots of different looks from all the different years, many power options. So many parts to get it replaced with if anything goes wrong.
M-series BMWs (maybe a few generations ago), Corvettes as others have mentioned, and arguably GTRs. The M-series BMWs are kinda expensive but have quite a few parts and are very well balanced. The corvettes are cheap and quick with plenty of parts, but I’d argue that only the z06 and zr1 (or just C8 generation tbh) can be considered somewhat exotic. And the GTR - probably one of the more expensive options, but very well balanced, definitely a supercar, and has a large aftermarket.
I’d go with any of the Toyota-powered Lotuses.
Imagine hitting crazy jumps with an Elise lol, the visual alone would be worth it.
Good point engine wise, but I recall that they are made of fibreglass, no? I'd imagine that's not easy to fix/replace due to the nature of the chassis under rally conditions.
Lol that fiberglass is crazy expensive
This is the answer. I have an Elise, just a peach to own.
From what I've seen, getting parts for a Lotus can be pretty tough, especially if there's no dealership in your country, like here in Brazil.
Lancia stratos vibes
C4 through C8 Corvette.
I'd agree. For what I paid for mine there's nothing even close on the market.
This was my first thought as well
Dirt cheap? Have you seen the car market lately lol
This is the way. C5 is the best bang for the buck. I got one for autox and HPDE. Going to cage it for hillclimbs eventually.
Yep. Been looking at C5’s and C6’s for my next project.
Nailed it.
Shame the C8 has a 10000% markup in Australia
Off topic, but how do you like your TourX? I’ve been considering one, but the prices keep going up and up😬
end it here. No better value in power out of the box, bolt on affordability, aftermarket support, and track ability out of the box - although I only consider this to include C5 ZO6 to C8.
But I would hardly call the Corvette exotic.
Corvette kart was my first thought.
Corvette. Probably C5 or C6 because the newer ones are still too expensive.. and the only C4 I’d get if affordability/parts availability were factors would be the later LT1 models because the early ones were underpowered unless you got the ZR-1 then it is insanely fast (super car fast for it’s era) but I don’t imagine the LT5 is an easy engine to maintain or get parts for.
Corvette is a solid car for many different track build.. but you’re committing to RWD rallying.
I have a question. What do you mean by LS ??
Is the Corvette really considered to be exotic in any sense? At least in Canada they're not considered much more 'exotic' than a Camaro or Challenger.
A lot of the factors you are talking about depend on where in the world you are. An older Mustang, like SN95 or S197 is not exotic in the U.S, but it's got speed, affordability, and parts availability. But go to Europe, and it's now fairly rare and exotic, and parts availability is much less. You can't just go to a junkyard and grab an engine block from an F150 in Europe.
911 is an amazing rally car. You can easily drive them sideways all day long. The balance that can be so terrifying on the street is the most predictable and controllable thing you can drive on a dirt road, IMO
They’re only really terrifying if you don’t know not to lift when they oversteer.
Corvettes always hit that mark. Something that a lot of people can work to buying in their lives (especially when considering used). Quite fast, looks "exotic" to some (even though they are incredibly common). Parts are easy because it's a Chev.
The answer for "what's the best value" is always a corvette. Pick your price range and get a c5z, c6z etc. I've had 3 corvettes. They're just unbeatable if performance and reliability are your metrics.
I see way more golf r's than Corvettes.
MR2 Spyder. A decent amount of people have made rally builds with theirs and it's a great platform for it
Toyota were actually working along these lines before group b got cancelled, the 222D was going to enter the group S replacement for group b but it never happened.
There's even a RS200 kit for the MR2.
I think the answer is already in your title, it's the 911. A subtle sports car, with variants that offer super car matching (or besting) performance, large dealer network and aftermarket, somewhat exotic, reliable and reasonably priced.
You could be right!
I think this is right. Buy a couple generations old as they hit the bottom of their depreciation curve for ~$35k (not cheap, no) and they will hold their value as you beat on em. They're pretty reliable if they don't have the fabled IMS, too.
this is the correct answer, there are already rally parts out there for them, so you could source everything you need. I can see a 911 on a rally stage, whether tarmac or loose surface. I can't see a corvette. . . There's a reason they have seldom if ever raced on a rally stage.
Fast. Cheap. Reliable. Pick any two.
A 911.
C8, but Corvettes in general have kind of always been at that sweet spot
Audi TTRS/RS3
A first gen Quattro TT would be cheap too
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I wouldn't call parts cheap, but they hit all the other marks.
The golf is pretty fast, though it’s not a track car really. I suppose it could be setup to be one, if you want. I know a few who track them.
For everything but pure track driving, I’d say a Fiesta ST hits all the buttons.
I agree on this. The focus or siesta ST are track cars that handle like go karts. Tons of options to modify too.
Unrelated to the post but what about normal Fiesta? They're quite affordable and can get them relatively newer than anything else (that's in my price range). But heard people saying they constantly break down
Wish I could agree, but I think we can deduce based on all other hot hatch values they will not be “future classics” since there are so many FWD hot hatches produced throughout the years. Think GTI, SRT4, Integra, CRX, etc. literally almost all hot hatches won’t appreciate because they are so overly mass produced. Maybe in 50 years for the special ones...maybe, but I doubt their appreciation keeps up with inflation or other obvious millennial classics such as S2000, Evo, STI, Type R, Fox bodies, Mk3/4 Supra, Rx-7, etc.
I mean… the miata, though I’m exceptionally biased
An Australian company was shoehorning Toyota V8s into them at one point. Google Bullet Roadster…
Miata is always the answer
People are all over the Vette answers but I think this is the real reason they included exotic in the question. Because miatas are always the answer
I’m with you!
Imagine rallying one of those LS swapped Miatas, it'd be frightening. Flying Miata?
As you've already discovered, it's a 911 Porsche.
Damn didn't realize my mid 10s 130+mph trap golf R is slow now :( sad days
Every car does 4.5 to 4.8 sec 0-100km/h stock these days mate.
I mean, the Stinger qualifies pretty well here.
I think a Kia soul with a boxter in it has a 0-60 in six seconds. Who tf made it that fast
You really can’t beat a 996 or 997 Porsche 911. Or a 986 or 987 Boxster.
+1 on the 996/997.
The interior of the 996 is just too god awful to be considered. 997 is an extreme step up.
997.2 coupe for me please! Best looking rear of any Porsches.
Some kind of Japanese affordable modern classic that has started to appreciate. S2000?
You will be very sad if when you crash that S2000 on the track.
An S2000 rally beast would be awesome…
I'm thinking Impreza might be the answer. Great driving car, AWD, cult following, parts are ridiculously cheap and easy to find, but you can also get legit rally parts that have been sitting on the shelf for 20 years.
I thought Miata Is Always The Answer?
LS Miata, even better. How are the NC wrt V8 swaps? Those are getting cheap and I like their looks
The Caman? It's like a 911 but with better weight distribution. But if you are talking rally, a FWD car will almost always be faster than a RWD car on a gravel rally course.
*Cayman
Before awd rally it was rwd rally, not fwd, clear reasons for it
The Cayman is still pretty expensive, but otherwise I agree with you. I think many people believe it’s the best sort of modern sports car as far as traditional 2 seaters are concerned
For rallying, probably an STi
Subie is always a choice but you will need spare head-gaskets and turbos if you send it like Colin McRae
Lotus Elise is the only good answer. Everyone keeps saying Corvette but that’s not exotic at all.
Corvettes are exotic in Europe, although I don't know about parts availability over here
Dacia Sandero
Old V8 Vantage. Pretty cheap, parts are pretty easy to come by, (repairs can be a little much, but it's reliable). It's quick, and very exotic. That's my pick, though I may be biased...
so youre saying an old v8 vantage is not the worst purchase someone can make…
People don’t realize the cars are very solid. Lots of easy fixes can be done by average Joe. Think of it as a British vette. Trans axle, very similar setup. Lots of parts can be had from jag and Land Rover suppliers for much cheaper than Aston. We did a full clutch job ourselves and so I got very familiar with that car.
A mid 2000s Porsche. (996)
Send me a link to 4x 996s they cost less than 10k. I can’t find anything for less than $13k
996 reliable? with potential bore scoring, IMS and RMS fail is definitely not reliability icon, unless you buy one that had engine rebuild and other issues sorted
These just aren’t cheap anymore. The market has caught up.
Maserati Quatrtoporte, absolutely dirt cheap, meaning you can buy 4/5 for parts, working one them is not to bad (discounting electrics) and you can imagine the sound of a Ferrar derived v8 round a dirt track
First gen NSX.
Fiat Multipla - the fastest thing in existence.
My dad used to do road rally and autocross with his local SCCA chapter in a LeCar (Renault R5.)(Normal one, not turbo beast.)
Yes... YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS SON
Pontiac Aztek beats it ez pz
V6 accords are underrated for speed to cost ratio. Obviously not very exotic tho
I'm actually gonna disagree here.
2016 V6 MT was the sweet spot for the last of the J series run, it’s unusually difficult to find one that hasn’t been modified
I drove the last of the v6 6mt. Very bland
Mazda rx8, great handling, cheap to buy (not very cheap to run but cheap to buy somewhat offsets that), quick enough to have some fun on some nice roads but won't be a drag racer. Good for track use and parts are easy to get from people breaking cars or buying new. Pretty rare car too as not many left now. They have a soft spot in my heart, I fully understand why people don't like or avoid them. One of the most fun and engaging cars I have driven, plus 9,000rpm redline is pretty sweet
They have enough space in the engine bay to LS swap them, so you can get one with a blown engine for cheap and put something which lasts longer in there.
Agree with most other people in here that it has to be a corvette. It’s the sweet spot in every way. Buying price is in the middle, parts are relatively affordable/available, great performance.
Honda civic eg/ek
Panamera with 300k+ miles
The E30 3 series was also rallied p heavily
The c7 zr1 is probably the best looking modern corvette
For me it’s always been an older BMW 3 series of some variety.
I think I’ve seen someone say this but I would go for either the Audi TT RS with its 4WD. It is like a mini R8. And the other one that I would go for is maybe the Nissan 350z with its V6 turbo power RWD. I don’t think it would need a lot of changing maybe the ride height.
A Oldish Volvo with modified turbo, realible as hell, fast and very affordable
Volvo 960 😭
Porche's have always been the go to for what you are asking. It used to be used 911's, prices have moved up so now it's more along the lines of used Caymans and Boxsters. But they are very, very, well built, reliable machines that will keep going for as long as you maintain them. Some things can get expensive on them, but they are not Ferrari territory. I would say the Evora also meets this, unless you need a new clutch or you get into a minor fender bender. At least the drivetrain is bullet proof and easy to maintain.
R107 SL .
I bought a 2001 Audi Allroad with the 6 speed manual, swapped the air ride to coil overs, lifted it 2.75” with custom aluminum lift blocks and threw some 30” BFGs on it. So far, parts have been relatively cheap and easy to get. It’s already tuned to 300hp but I am thinking of going to a K04 kit soon and bringing that to around 400. Working on the car isn’t that bad, suspension was actually super easy! Engine is kinda a bitch to work on though . I pulled the core support and changed everything I could while also taking care of the timing belt. The engine will absolutely need to come out for the turbos though. Next step is to cut everything behind the front seats and make a little bed/storage area. I’ll let you know how she handles her first couple trips, hopefully going out in a week.
„
that depends on where you are located.
If we're talking rallying, most of the suspension will be completely changed, so suspension parts are a non-issue. Thus, we only have to take into consideration the body, the engine, and the transmission.
I don't think I agree with this one really -
gr corrolla. Its gonna be exotic because nobody can get one, its decently priced, and seems to be a track killer
ITT: Americans
Always has been
ITT: people who think 30k is "cheap"
Alfa romeo guila qv in verde montreal. It's not super expensive, it's fast and parts are somewhat available plus you don't see one very often. It has to be one of the best price/ performance, looks, rarity ratios at this time.
An Alfa Romeo is an awful value for all of the listed aspects
An '88 Fiero GT. The best year for this car, and you can't beat the balance, low CG, and handling, especially with great tires. If you can "breathe" on the engine a bit according to the rules, there are some good performance enhancements available.
But it's not terribly fast
LS swap. There are a lot of them that were fitted with SBC's
BMW M3 or a C63
Especially the newest M3 with switchable AWD.
What does "exoticness" have to do with rallying???
Are we talking off road rallying? Or a tarmac based targa?
I would probably say a supra, decently fast, exotic etc, but the main selling point is the 🖕 factor to all those lowered loud curb scraping crybaby supras.
Alfa Giulia Veloce, at least here in Europe. Priced like a mid level 3 series, almost 300hp, looks like an exotic, drives wonderfully, parts are cheap and available (the last points may apply to Europe only)
Lexus LC500, these go for about ~$80-90K in the used market atm
parts? what parts!
Cayman
Supra
audi a4
12-13 Boss 302 or a 1le Camaro SS
From the perspective of "rare for the trim," you might be right. Most people would just see a Camaro or Mustang though, and I'd put the ZL1 1LE above the SS as more exotic and performant without breaking the bank.
Volvo V60 Polestar all you want plus comfy interior
I would love a Golf as a hobby car.
Mazda speed protege. Has awesome handling and can pretty easily be K swapped for more power potential. I drive a regular protege and It is extremely difficult to coax out the rear wheels on a tight turn. Full independent suspension, manual option, unibody construction, etc. the regular mazdaspeed engine has a single turbo and puts out about 170 hp. I think I paid 5k for a perfect condition 88000 mile one.
mercedes sl class, chevrolet corvette (pick one), some flavor of used civic.
Cayman
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For a minute there I thought you meant the ur-quattro Audi S1 rally car - that would not be particularly cheap to run. 😂 Would be fast though! And exotic!!
An AE86 with a sock on it.
The answer is always Miata
M.I.A.T.A am I right choccy milk gang?
Gen 1 Z4
There was a spec 350z rally series a decade or so ago.
911 if you lean more exotic and Corvette if you lean more pragmatic.
///M is always the answer.
Celica 4 AWD
Pontiac GTO. 6-liter V8, manual. Compact setup, cheap and easy to replace parts.
Depending on your definition of "exotic" (it's not traditional exotica like a Lamborghini or Ferrari even if it is rare) and "affordable" (it's cheap compared with a Porsche, not so much compared with a Fiesta ST) , the Ariel Nomad fits the bill.
The 944 ticks all these boxes, that’s why I bought one.
Golf R ? Lol
Here’s the thing: If I’m going to race a car, “exoticness” isn’t even remotely on the radar.
I know this won't be a popular choice, but a 1st generation Mitsubishi Eclipse/Eagle Talon. AWD, turbo, engine that can hold 500hp without so much as cracking the valve cover. Cheap, with HUGE aftermarket support. I think it looks spectacular, but I'm probably in the minority.
My bmw g42 240i is really freaking fast, I can imagine the new m2 being a good contender in this category.
For rallying or just in general? if for rallying I'd find an early 2 door Impreza., add some dirt tires, upgrade the suspension and a light bar. If just in general I'd go with a VW Corrado. Weird enough for people to look twice, but affordable enough to be able to find parts for an engine swap.
Howzabout a Miata?
Fiero or early boxster.
What about a Honda CRX?
Parts availability and what counts as exotic changes wherever you are in the world
GR Yaris. Only thing it didn't do was a rally stage.
Corvettes are a great option
E92 M3 minus the affordability
Mazdaspeed Miata?
The obvious choices of Corvette and 911 are well covered. Throw in just about anything BMW M from the last 20 years or so.
Pontiac Fiero has decent part support and is a very cheap car. Looks great though and they seem acceptable to lots of mods.
Could be an old beetle, exoticness goes up now a days but sadly slower at 60 hp
A Factory Five Racing 818c would probably be good. Mid engine rwd manual transmission. The kit is ~$25k fully equipped and the Subaru doner car for the build can be found for $5k or less. The downside is that you have to build it yourself, the upside is that not many people have a FFR 818. Subaru parts are easy to find and there are plenty of aftermarket options too. The 818 also looks similar to a Porsche and you can get a high power output with some tinkering. All and all you could build a decent car for under $30k
1st gen boxster?
Gotta say, a Golf R is not cheap, important parts are fairly pricey, and it is quite fucking fast. GTIs less so on all measures.
exoticness is the antithesis of rally driving. in contrast, to have a rally car, manufacturers have to sell a certain amount of a line for it to even qualify. this prerequisite is screwing up any hot takes. imo.
Dodge Viper RT/10 so you can go out in the blaze of glory on the first turn
Dodge stealth ig? Not the fastest but decent. For less exotic you could go for an older Camaro for speed and affordablility
Fiat X1/9 with a turbo B18 vtec.
My personal pick is SVT Cobras. I own a Mystic variant and it has enough power to put me in my seat, get looks at car meets and parts are readily available as it is still at its roots, a mustang.
Always been a muscle guy but 2nd gen Camaro’s. They are ALL interchangeable, from first to last year of gen2 camaros. The price is decent for the power, there’s lots of different looks from all the different years, many power options. So many parts to get it replaced with if anything goes wrong.
You answered your question in your question.
A Model 3 Performance.
M-series BMWs (maybe a few generations ago), Corvettes as others have mentioned, and arguably GTRs. The M-series BMWs are kinda expensive but have quite a few parts and are very well balanced. The corvettes are cheap and quick with plenty of parts, but I’d argue that only the z06 and zr1 (or just C8 generation tbh) can be considered somewhat exotic. And the GTR - probably one of the more expensive options, but very well balanced, definitely a supercar, and has a large aftermarket.
Honda civic
E46
Miata
1994 Honda Del Sol
Lancer Evo X or Subaru WRX STi used
Porsche 911 fits the bill.