Replying to Subaru Impreza wrx or Volkswagon Rabbit

So I pull into my drive last night and suddenly smoke begins pouringgg out from under my '96 Jetta's hood.  So this morning i looked at it and its not even worth putting money into because so much is fucked with oil / temperature fluid lines, and my radiator supports (which I didnt even know about).

SO we're junking it and looking into something new, but since im leaving for college in a few weeks, my parents are going to pay for most of it it, and it will technically be theirs.  Obviously since Im paying for a portion of it, I'll be paying more if they go for the WRX (its like 8000 more) over the rabbit.  I dont know much about either, just that both are very fun to drive.  Should I try to convince them to spring for the WRX even if it means I'll be paying more?