Yeah but the extra 10k you spend is worth it. Better build quality, 6 speed heavy duty tranny, aero package, sweet ass interior, DCCD, oh and don't forget AWD. Hemi I'm guessing that Pro Stock Neon is a tube frame, purpose built funny car correct? The Easystreet WRX was a factory WRX at one point and it has a stroked 2.0. . A Cobra and a STi ehh? I'd take the STi, it'll handle better plus anywhere that has a real winter, you're not gonna want to drive a RWD hot rod. A Cobra may be faster in a straight line but I'd rather have the STi that'll roll it out in the twisties. Chances are the Cobra is going to cost more, using everyones' favorite argument here, give the STi that extra 4 grand it'll roll the Cobra out.
The title "best bang for the buck for 30-40", where is this, I've never heard of this, sounds kind of like a made up title to me. You may think the "best bang for the buck 20-30k" is the SRT, while I may think it's the WRX, it's all subjective and it's all someone's opinion. The "give the SRT 10k more" argument is getting really old, like I said give me a early 90's Mustang 5.0 and 20 grand and I'll whoop every single SRT here.
-faast