At $50k, I'd be looking at 996tt's with the x50 package.

 

A Porsche warranty needs to be considered seriously for those without large cash reserves. Checkup on the IMS failure rate for these cars.

 

so i went to see the 997 s today. as far as exterior goes 997>996. then i sat in the car and the interior completely blows away the 996. the car i saw was loaded with nav and the sport chrono package. but with that said, the 996 turbo is not a bad looking car inside and out. regular 996 cars look too bland but those side scoops and the wider rear with the retractable spoiler make all the difference in the world. i think the 996 turbo looks badass and the 997 s looks exotic with all those curves. cant really go wrong with either car; they both have their strengths and weakness. i'll let finances dictate which car i'll choose.

 

just to compare the two on paper (motortrend):


2005 Porsche 911 Carrera S
Base price $79,895
Price as tested $90,000
Vehicle layout Rear engine, RWD, 4-pass, 2-door coupe
Engine 3.8L/355-hp/295 lb-ft 24-valve flat-6
Transmission 6-speed manual
Curb weight (f/r dist) 3298 lb (38/62%)
Wheelbase 92.5 in
Length x Width x Height 175.6 x 71.2 x 51.2 in
0-60 mph, sec 4.3 sec
Quarter Mile 12.6 sec @ 112.3
Braking, 60-0 mph 104 ft
Lateral Acceleration 0.98 g avg

2001 Porsche 911 Turbo
Base curb weight, lb 3395 (manual)/3494 (Tiptronic)
Weight distribution, f/r, % 40/60 (est.)
Cargo capacity, cu ft 3.5
Fuel capacity, gal 16.9
Weight/power ratio, lb/hp 8.1:1 (manual)

PERFORMANCE*
Acceleration, sec Tiptronic Manual
0-60 mph 3.8 3.6
0-100 mph 9.2
Standing quarter mile, sec/mph 11.9/116.0
Top speed 189

 

+1

and N-A 911 always gets preference from me
not that i dislike turbos

also newer car might has more creature comfort features built-in

 

We have a 996 Turbo that we use for track days and summer time daily driving. It has 110k miles on it now and it still runs great. It is extremely fast....
997 is a much "nicer" car, interior is better and styling is corrected. Performance wise, the Turbo can't be beat, and when driven gently even gets good mileage! For my $ the 996 Turbo is one of the best performance values available right now and they are very durable cars even when abused. Either way you"re getting a Porsche so there is no bad decision.