I know guys with 1.8T jettas with triptronic (automatic) transmissions they have only a few mods. GIAC Chip, K&N FPIK, 3" down pipe, test pipe, 3" exhaust, blow off valve and run 12.9's at 109mph. Those other cars you listed suck and are slow (except the WRX it's turbo too).
Do yourself a favour and start with a car that is turbo. Going fast on a turbo car is easy. NA cars suck. I have had 3 turbo cars and would never go back to a regular normally aspirated car ever.
