well if you want torque for 12,900.... and no domestics....
ummmm.... I cant think of a damn thing...
Theres turbo torque... but not the kinda torque i think your talking about, useable torque as soon as you hit the gas....
Unless you want to call an SE-R as having torque theres nothing.

without a doubt I'd go turbo.... For that money you could get a nice running DSM with a bigger turbo.. Course the reliablity isnt the same as your hondas.... but it'd haul ballz.