I bought my 2001 base 2.7 l a year ago and did not even try an S model. I could have tried one but had too many miles on it(100K miles)and did not even consider it. So instead I bought the base with 31k miles. What I don't know about I don't care about. I think the salesman in your case knew what he was doing! Whether u want to spring for the extra $$$$ is up to you. I was looking for a low mileage, low priced(for Canada anyway) Porsche with heated seats and air cond., not big horsepower. What is important to u?