If I could do things all over again (with 45K) I would have held of buying the Z, and bought a real nice mint 993 (911).
Timeless design
excellent build quality(doors still make a satisfying thud when the door is shut)
excellent steering/brake feel
interior not made by rubber maid (like most american cars - although the very recent cars are pretty awesome)
Very entertaining and rewarding car to drive. Love it to death.

My 2nd nominee would be a E46 M3 for similar reasons.