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I'm one of those guys that always lusted after an air-cooled 911. By the time I could afford one, the prices went through the roof, and I just couldn't bring myself to that much into a 30 yo car, knowing there was always the possibility of some very expensive maintenance just around the corner.
Ended up looking at NB and NC Miata's, M convertibles, and AP2 S2000's. Ended up with a 2006 S2000, and 3 years later, couldn't be happier.
FWIW, the 1999-2003 S200s are AP1's, and have a 2.0l motor, which redlines at 9000RPM, The 2004-2009 cars are AP2's, with a 2.2l motor, which redlines at only 8200RPM. Both mills make 237hp, although the 2.2 has a little more torque. Both engines don't come alive until 6000RPM, and VTEC kicks in. The AP1 is a bit "edgier" from a handling standpoint. Both are Jekyll/Hyde cars, whereby if you keep the revs low, it is going to act like a Civic, but keep your foot in the throttle, and you have a street legal race car.
Hold out, and spend more for a lower mileage, "stock" example. They hit low enough price points a few years back that many have been poorly modded and trashed. I don't think they will ever appreciate like the air-cooled 911, but good examples are ticking up a bit.
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