4k isn't much. I would say used integra, a gs-r if you can find one for that price in decent shape.

If the newer styling(heck my car is 12 years old) isn't important to you, you'll accomplish a lot more with an older platform.

The 4th gen civic and crx are much lighter than newer generations, and accept the 1st gen B16a engine which is a lot cheaper than the newer motors, but pretty much the same in performance. Plus the crx Si comes with 4 wheel discs stock. If I had 4K to work with, and wanted a fast, fun car, I'd start with a 4th gen.