2.0 Capri is cheap, pinto is well tuneable and cheap if it goes wrong, the pinto engined Capris have an almost perfect 50:50 weight balance (unlike the very fron heavy 2.8s) and will be cheaper to insure than an XR2. I'd get the Capri, you won't regret it, take it easy in the wet, and definitely fit 2.8 single leaf springs, and X frame handling kit and decent tyres on 2.8 special 7 spokes - great fun!
Exhaust, filter and a rejet should see 115 BHP + from a standard 2.0 too