I think the beetle to 5.0 idea is a good one. My first car was a Mustang 5.0 (which I still have 2 years later). They definately aren't that great in snow (generous)...I have had a few close calls. Sand is pretty bad too. Rain is not that bad if you don't floor it and you have pretty good tires. I have some suspension stuff, so most people are very surprised about the high level of quality handling.
The only downside to owning a 5.0 is that it becomes EXTREMELY addicting. If you have an income, don't expect to have it long
. There is always something you can do or buy for your car. And you always want to do or buy it!
2.3Ls are garbage. I would rather own...a lot of stuff. But there is nothing in the price range of the 5.0 that has the stock performance, not to mention the unheard of aftermarket potential. I like my car (...maybe too much)
.
Thanks,
DoranW