Well...
Technically the
1996 Stealth was the fastest, weighing in at about 3650 lbs. It should put down consistent 13.4s to quarter.
As for the best, the 2nd gens [1994-1999] are all almost equal, and
a major performance jump over the 1st gens. The 1997+s [
usually incorrectly labeled as 3rd gens] are the best handling of all 3Ses due to a few suspension touch ups - and the lash adjusters are fixed finally [
no more ticking 
]. That's about all really (they lack a lot of the silly extra features). All 2nd gens are capable of running 13.5s consistently. But, I'd probably go with the 97+ VR4 because of its touched up handling, and most importantly, because I'd get as new a car as possible. However,
I wouldn't be surprised if the 96 Stealth had that suspension, it was quite the limited edition [
57 total TTs], and the base 96 Stealths shared a lot with the base 97 3000gts. In addition, the 96 Stealth had a unique thicker contoured very unique banana spoiler - and a few other body touch ups (much like the 1999 VR4 ~ both went out with a bang, style-wise).
If you can't get a 1997+ VR4, or infamous 96 TT, among the earlier models: the Stealth's were lighter [no active-aero] and
about $2k cheaper for identical cars; for some reason Dodge doesn't hold value like Mitsubishi

. However, I personally like the Mitsubishi styling much more than the Stealths of any years. The 1st gen VR4s look the best [besides maybe 97+], and the 1994s still look awesome as hell. What am I talking about, they all look awesome as hell [besides 94-95 Stealths, sorry… can't stand the grill

].
You really
REALLY should get a 2nd generation car, 1994 or newer. The 6-speed makes a huge difference [
performance & reliability], the car is a bit lighter, and comes with 4 bolt block and
more importantly stainless-steel crank [versus cast iron]. The iron crank has a habit of getting the shaft with under-drive pulleys or too much boost. Also, like I said, get the newest car you can.
So lets recap:
Performance wise:
1. 96 Stealth TT
2. 97+ VR4
3. 94+ TT,
4. 94+ VR4
little more $, little more weight
5. 1G TT,
or again for little more cash and weight 1G VR4
6. N/As
If you care about look, then get whatever you think looks best. But,
get a 2nd gen, or you'll have problems buddy!