i think this comes down to if you are gonna use it every day or if its just a car for weekend, i have been through exactly the same as you didnt know weather to go jap or ford then had the 2wd, 4wd predicament, in the end it had to be the cosworth and as it was to be used as a daily runner i went for a 4x4, at first i started to wish i had a 2wd but after having it a while and gaining confidence (ie four wheel drift) i love it, i always look forward to driving it, never get bored of it and love every moment, 2wd can be a hand full in the wet never mind ice and snow.. so if you want a car you can drive all year round go for a 4x4 BUT if you are in the lucky position to have one as a weekend car go for 2wd and you wont lok back.

which ever you choose, i hope it all goes well

Rich