Ready for a real car

[GKR]

Okay, I'm coming to Houston TX next year and will have a bit of money to put into a good car. My priorities are:
Driver focused
Good driving position (well placed pedals for heel and toeing, steering wheel adjustment etc.)
Good steering feel/speed
Good Gear shift (manual obviously)
Good brake performance and feel
Decent speed (doesn't have to beat other cars in a straight line)
Good throttle response
Good handling/feel etc
Needs to be able to be balanced on the throttle well (ie powerslides/drift fun)

The cars on my list so far are:

'91 NSX (without power steering)
Porsche 944 or 968
'95 E36 M3
240 SX
3.2L Carrera
Early model Boxter

As you can see, dollars aren't the deciding factor (but don't want to spend more than the NSX)

This is to drive for a year or so until I get myself into a 996 Carrera.

[BullShifter]

M3 or a M coupe. I personally wouldn't buy a '95 due to its age and probably high mileage.

Is this a daily driver or second car?
The NSX would be a fun 2nd car, but again its pretty old.

[GKR]

daily driver. I don't do that much driving around during the week though (commuting) so most the driving would be finding good roads to enjoy and attending club/track events

[BullShifter]

I would look into the BMW M coupes, not too many people have them, & not too many people like the looks. I think it looks good, has great power, great handling, almost 50/50 weight ratio, very stiff, M power, & its a BMW. Oh yea nice heated seats.

I think they run mid/high 13's stock in the quarter, but are better suited for speed, braking, turning. It also pulled around 1.0 lateral G's completely stock - even tires.

[GKR]

Hadn't considered it. It is a good car though. evo magazine (from the U.K.), which I respect a lot, had one as a long termer and they loved it. Does the US version have the Euro motor?
I actually like the looks myself, kind of in the old style of hotrod where you sit on the rear axle.
My only reservation is the fact that it can become a little tricky on the limit due to the outdated rear suspension not really coping with the herbs and the rest of the chassis, although I'm sure the Sates has lots of places that can adjust the rear geometry and tie the rear end down better.
You're a champion for helping out here jackasssi - any idea on prices either dealer or private?
I'll visit the BM section of the forum after this and see what I can dig up.

Actually yeah I'm pretty keen on this now. Why does the US engine have only 240 HP while the normal engine has almost 100hp more?
Is it a simple case of swap the intake/exhaust and ECU, or does it have different internals ie pistons and cams etc. My guess is the former because of Californian emissions laws, but from my (limited) knowledge, Texas isn't as tight-arsed about that sort of thing. So an easy fix maybe?