My personal preference would be the STi... Always liked them, always will!
They're the car that inspired a hairbrained idea I had to convert my car (Or, better yet, a project VL), to have IRS and AWD
*For the record, my gf thinks I'm crazy, but is willing to help me do the work... Love her heaps!*
STi munches most things on the road, so there's no problem there... But I guess it comes down to your preference and budget. Since I'm kinda broke *Yet again - I bought some mags for my car*, I wouldn't be buying a car, no matter for project or otherwise.
But, you sound like you have the cash, it's just what to spend it on!
BTW, what side of the road do you drive on Hellbent?