In about 2 years, maybe 3 at most, I'll be at a crossroads but this future crossroads will dictate how I spend my money right this moment.

Just some background information: I autocross. I like it and it seems to like me, because even with a bone-stock car, I do rather well. I also commute a substantial amount (500+ miles a week) so N/A is preferable but I know how to coax MPG's out of a vehicle. So, here it is.

Do I keep my current car, a 2003 Protege5 and get new headers, a new exhaust, clutch, suspension, rear sway bar, etc? Or, do I conserve my money and in those 2 or 3 years later, get a performance vehicle such a Supra, RX-7 (3rd gen), Skyline (R-33 or 34), Impreza WRX, 300ZX, Pontiac GTO, Saab 9-2x, or other such 6 or 8 cylinder vehicles (except the Mazda, of course)? Within those two or three years, insurance will go down so it'll be affordable enough. However, there are hidden costs, especially for the first 4. These costs are namely finding stock parts such as bumpers (I don't want fiberglass ricer tomfoolery on any of my vehicles), rims, and fixing other visual problems. Also, repairs for higher end cars are obviously much higher such as but not limited to clutches, timing belts, and others.

With all of that in mind, do I keep my current car and make it fast enough to compete in my Autcross class or do I swap into something a little faster and penny-pinch for the next few years?