Nice convertible! I also have a red 95 convertible with the 3100. Yes it's slow but you're right, that's not what this car is for. I improved my driving experience by firming up the suspension. Does yours have the original shocks/struts/bushings/sway bar? If so, either refreshing them or upgrading will make a noticeable difference without spending a lot of money.
Otherwise, I'd focus on maintenance and cleaning. When mine is cleaned up, top down on a sunny day, I get compliments and nobody asks me how fast it is or if I have the LQ1.