[Caustik]

So guys, I'm currently trying to decide on what car I want to get. I currently drive a 1996 Honda Accord coupe that I've been driving since high school (I graduated college last May and have a full time job atm). I've been saving up for a new car and want to get something fun to drive, as it is a good time for me to do so not having any kids yet and whatnot. My price range is 20-30k, preferably somewhere in the middle. I have identified a lot of cars that seem interesting/fun in this price range, and they all seem to fit inside one of the three categories listed in the title.

RWD Coupes:

Scion FRS/Subaru BRZ
Hyundai Genesis Coupe

AWD Sedans:

Subaru WRX
Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart

FWD Hot Hatches:

Volkswagen GTI
Mazdaspeed 3

Problem is, I don't know which kind of car is the best for me. I don't have an overwhelming preference for any of the three, although I tend to lean towards RWD or AWD over FWD as from an engineering perspective (I'm a mechanical engineer) I know using a FWD platform for a sports car is a poor choice (torque steer, understeer, weight distribution, etc). I am learning how to drive a manual car on my friend's beater and would prefer to get a manual car if I get any of the above (although some come only in manual anyway).

I want a car that has a good balance of value, sportiness, power, handling, and is at least marginally practical (no 2 seaters or convertibles..sorry Miata). I've test driven the FRS (in automatic, as it was before I started learning manual), and thought it was a lot of fun and a really cool car. I know posting this on FT86club is going to elicit some bias of course, but I'd still like people's opinions on the overall 'fun factor' of RWD coupes vs AWD sedans vs Hot Hatches, and of these categories which is the best.