i think u should get a Base model manual instead of SH or any automatic... yeah SH is for more handling so if u dont intend to hit corner or do them crazy stunts with your car... than its not really worth spending the extra 2-4 grand...it unless the price is right or its a steal. i own a 97 base manual model and i love it... (only problem that it has giving me so far is my clutch. the first i change it was @ 175k miles, than the second time i change it was @ 200k <--- an aftermarket exedy stage 2 clutch gone out so now im back to a stock OEM clutch.. i dont know if any other luders out there have over 200k miles but my baby still rides like a champ) the body style is no diff. only wheels are diff. that my 2cent.

someone correct me if im wrong but... BASE model and SH doesnt have diff. horsepower... i raced an SH twice and have beating it twice... manual vs. manual... stock (mines) vs. I/H/E and i won both times @ red light

just drive the car and see how it feels... im pretty sure u would like the lude... hope that helps if not than sorry to waste your time!