You will be spending the same amount, you could consider going with your heart, which do you prefer to drive, which is more comfortable, which has the options you want...regardless of hp...though hp could be a factor if that is the one you like driving more. I had an ~amount I wanted to spend and after I drove the the 'S' I knew that was what I wanted...for me it is not a daily driver (I have a 2000 'S'), if I was driving daily I probably would have a got a 2003 base (glass window, softer suspension, automatic) which for me would have been important but maybe not for another.
Whatever you decide welcome to a community of very helpful folks!
