but if I were buying today, I'd buy the '05 base.
I had a '99 (201HP) and swear I had more fun in it than the ~250HP S because I could keep my foot into it longer and still stay legal. So to me the base versus S isn't important. Heck my 85HP 914 had enough to get me in trouble. Mine doesn't have to be bigger than yours.
I'd invite you to go to a magazine review of the '05 that cites all the changes between the '03-'04 models and the '05-08 ones.
The major differences I remember were:
Variable ratio power steering
Stiffer chassis, wider wheel alignment
Bigger brakes
Head airbags
PSM standard
Improved headlights
More cockpit room
Better positioned roll bars
So you could see better, steer better, stop better, keep the tires on the road surface better, not tip over better and be safer in a crash. But to me the difference was comfort. I could position the seat the way I want it without worrying if a rear end collision would drive my head back into the roll bar.
Plus there were ergonomic changes I liked.
Having said all that...the '03 is a terrific car. We are talking degrees of excellence here.
http://www.roadandtrack.com/article.asp?section_id=6&article_id=1657
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