I would preferably want a comfortable and easy to drive car for getting to and from places, (think S-Class or CLS class Merc - or even a 300C V8 Hemi ) but i wouldnt want a golf as my only car.
For racing i would get a Legends Car or a Formula Ford or any other track day car which has the basics.
I overtook a Ferrari 355 (he was on an experience day mind) round a track in an MG ZR 160, i think a lot of racing comes down to the drivers skill though not just the car.