The suzuki swift GTI is another fast car. I know of one in florida getting top three placing everytime; actually I think he won the championship there this year...
I just got out of school with mine, and dont have an LSD or any development time into it yet, but power and brakes are as good as anything else in ITB. Brakes are over 9 inches front and rear with a 1795# race weight, and 100hp stock.
I know it doesnt mean anything, but at the school I beat every ITB or ITA car, along with all but one spec miata. Power seemed equal to spec miatas.