Some great suggestions..except the S2000...
A worthy search indeed. [I]I personally would not inlcude the Honda [/I]as it felt squirrelly when last driven by yours truly. The [U]Toyota MR-2 Spyder [/U]I owned ran rings around it from a handling standpoint - easier and more predictable to slide around a corner, and with a hundred less horses it felt faster. Go figure.
The [U]Lotus Elise [/U]is incredible - it stuck like glue and was very reassuring at the limit - although it does require your full attention. Top contender indeed.
The [U]Boxster[/U] was a pleasant surprise - I test drove a base 2007 Boxster and it was a pure joy - even correcting a purposely blown cornering maneuver with very efficient electronics. The engine in the base model, now equivalent to the old Boxster S's was fine, although the S version, which matches the 911's of a few years ago, is probably even more fun. The clutch was better, the chassis felt more sorted, and it bore no resemblance to an older Boxster I had driven and decided wasn't for me. Of course the [U]911 GT2 [/U]should be on this list. Sadly, I have only driven a 911 Carrerra, so I can only imagine.
So - the Boxster/Boxster S (2007) makes the short list. No doubt the Cayman as well. But why when you can have a roadster for less?
Cars like the [U]Ariel Atom and Capari T1 [/U]are no doubt towards the top of the heap but not everyday drivers - which the others listed are.
What you have to ask yourself - is - do I want a light car I can easily toss around(Louts, Toyota MR2, MX-5, etc.) or a heavier car that needs a ton of power to compensate for the weight. Yes the powerful heavy cars will go just as fast or faster, and may look okay on paper, but trust me you will feel the difference and it may bother you. It does me.
I have also driven the [U]EVO and STi [/U]and while they have great engines and are a kick to drive, their chassis just cannot compete with the Lotuses and Ferrari's of the world. Of the two, the original EVO has much faster turn-in and feels lighter. The STi has more low end grunt. AWD is great, but a purist generally favors a RWD car as they are easier to drift and break away more predictably. It is all about the feel. A good car is like a glove - a bad one is like an oversized mitten.
DO NOT buy a Mazdaspeed3 if you are all about the handling. Great engine - but friends don't let friends buy front-wheel drive sports cars, no matter how much the auto mags like the GTI or Mini's.
Torque steer is only part of the problem. Understeer is the real buzzkill on FWD cars.
Good luck on your search.