Base or S Model

[BIGJake111]

You won't regret either.

The biggest difference is down to more torque and larger tires.

I've owned both. The base can be more inviting to drive flat out then the S. As the S will have you getting to speeds worth a ticket on any road in America with a 3rd gear pull.

The bigger brakes are nice and I would argue needed with the more potent S.

It's all down to that torque difference though, do you want to roll onto the throttle and be pushed forward or would you rather stab the throttle and drive the car more like a Subbie then a Porsche.

[BoxsterSteve]

What Jake said.
I drove both a base & S, each were MY 2000, before buying mine.
Aside from 6th gear and bigger brakes and some suspension differences, the bigger engine really forces you to lift sooner in an S than in a base, because you can get into a heap o' trouble with the fuzz really quick if you're out hooning about.
Approaching redline in 2nd, I can break 60 mph, and in 3rd do 95. That's serious enough to get your car impounded and get a free ride in a police Taurus.