[Techno Duck]

I would say if you really want the full experience, look around for an S2. Though most are near or past 15 years old, they have incredible brakes and generous low end grunt. I had the pleasure of driving a nicely sorted one and it made me want to sell my 944 and get a turbo or S2! You however may not like the turbo lag on the 944 Turbo considering you are comparing it to a n/a car. Once the turbo hits boost though, all bets are off...you will be addicted. However with a budget of $6k that basically puts you in the 8v or possibly S model 944 if you can find one. Personally if you can swing the extra 1.5-2,000 you get yourself into 944 Turbo and S2 territory.

The 944 Turbo and S2 price range (for a running, driving car) i would say starts at about $5500 for a car that needs mechanical work (leaks oil, no maitenence records) and is rough cosmetically. The $7-9k range is what i would expect to pay for a reasonable mileage, well sorted car in good cosmetic shape. Anything past the $9500 range are likely modified cars, or cars with lower mileage.

Does your $6k budget include maitenence? You will likely spend in the ballpark of $1500 for a car with no recent maitenence. You will need to replace timing belt, waterpump, rollers...etc as they are critical parts which will cause some serious damage if they are old, worn and break. If $6k includes your maitenence budget, i would look around for a regular 8-valve N/A 944. Im not sure about how pricing goes in your area, but for around $4000-5000 you can probably find a pretty reasonable mileage good condition 944. That number may be more or less depending on your area.

I think the biggest problem most will have with a 8V N/A 944 is constantly wishing for more power. Going through the twisties in a 944 is alot of fun, reasonable power and very easy to drive. The 944 Turbo is a bit more of a choore to drive having to constantly stay in the boost. Thats not to say you also need to be careful knowing when you hit boost...halfway though the apex of a turn and hitting boost may have bad consequences! The power available from the Turbo is great on the open road though. The S and S2 are good compromises...but really nothing beats the power you can achieve with the turbo!