I'd go for the 325 over the 328 as its a tougher lump and has nigh on identical performance from the box,their nearly 200 horse anyway so you should be able to drift on that no bother.

Others to consider are the Volvo 340 range and even the 240's,5 series beemers are cheap as chips even 7 series now.

Oooh just thought,we all forgot about mercs!!!

A nice c230 supercharged would be ideal and are dirt cheap right now,not always the easiest to find in manual but tough mechanically and loads of rotten ones out there to rape for bits.

Seen a few on retro rides well under a grand.

Not sure if a 318is would have enough oomph?
There's two over on retrorides for £550 right now,one looks a pretty car as well.