In snow tires matter most! And this car (in comparison to the others you've listed) is ***** expensive to maintain... if you've been driving around a corolla I most certainly see the desire to move into something a little more sporty but be prepared to pay the price. A set of tires will run you any where from just shy of a grand to nearly double that and replacement parts can get up there (assuming you don’t have a warranty).

But non the less good luck in you decision...