Russ, amigo, have a firsthand look at both. Come to a show, call someone close to where you live AND look at how you would drive a Beetle if you had one.
I'd strongly suggest buying the car that will suit your particular needs after touching several. Do not jump at the first one you see for sale, and ask around (like you did) about whether or not any of us are familiar with the car you're intending to pull the trigger on.
If you're a gearhead, there are powerplant options galore. If you're a DRIVER, there are stripped-down go-fast cars out there in both categories. If you want a show-stopper, Spyders are less common. If you want your missus to ride with you, shop together for a Speedster.
If you want something that'll give you a heart attack, a stroke and that'll slap your face off of your skull all at the same time, I'll sell you my monster in a couple years.
Rich, Jim ... I have your numbers, fellas. If this guy wants to TRULY experience driving in its purest form, he'll hack off the bumpers, lose the top, add some foglights, ditch the carpet and hop up into the two-liter range soon enough. I don't need to bring Russ over to the Dark Side on his first day in town. ;)