Having gone down both roads I would have to say that this really is a matter of personal preference. Whats better whats worse. Whats the best 'deal'. It's soley up to the individual. I owned a 300hp Miata. It was blown and squeezed.(supercharged and nitrous). It was quick, fast, and handled very well. It was also very high strung and very small. My hobby car is now a Dodge Dart GT. It has a fairly well built 318 (Mean318) that produces about 310 hp. Its not as quick or as fast nor does it handle as well, OK it doesn't handle at all. But I actually like it better than the Miata, I mean, Miatas are common, this is not. It's a piece of American history and that appeals to me. My point is that there will always be one thats faster, cooler, quicker, cheaper, whateverer than what you own. The only thing that matters is what works for you, within your budget. [Stepping off soap box]