[gavinlit]

Just took my other half for her first driving experience in a manual car. She's now decided the idea of an automatic is a bad one & would like a 'fun' car. But it's our third car so we're on a budget. Safety is also a consideration. Here's our options in the 10 - 15K range:
1) Old Mini cooper S - roll caged & ready to track (my preference)
2) Old VW hotrod - roll caged & ready to track (my 2nd choice)
3) Toyota Echo/Suzuki/other small car, 1 year old.

So I'm wondering what's safer in a small car. An old car with appropriate seats, roll & harness or a new car with ABS & airbags. Any help or comments?