Competition for a 89 accord.

I'm looking to buying a car for around $4000.
I'm thinking you guys could help me out in choosing.
I'dlike a car that's Fast and looks good.
I need a car that's pretty reliable and not too expencive to run/maintain/Mod.
I think I want a Japanese car but not neccisarily a Honda.
I need to be able to beat a stock 89 Accord, My friend is getting one from his daddy and he's getting all cocky about how he's going to Run circles around me when I get my car.

I want to be able to show him he's wrong.

I was thinking of getting a 90-94ish Eclipse but I'm not sure if those are fast and Modable.
So I'm asking all you who know what's what.

yeah you can pick up an old eclipse turbo..
hell you might even be able to find and old supra turbo..
but anyway an eclipse would be a good choice...