Honestly, a Mustang 5.0 with $5000 in mods will destroy any of your friends' cars (except the Eclipse and the 3000GT, if they're the turbo AWD models). They're very reliable, they have tremendous aftermarket support, and they're cheap. If you gotta have an import, I completely understand, and in that case, you should get the first gen. 240SX and save up for an SR20DET swap. But if you just wanna have fun going stoplight to stoplight with your buddies, and you could care less what badge is on the hood of your car, get a Mustang 5.0.