996TT or C63 or SLK55

Hi all, I realize this is a little like the old fox and the henhouse situation, but I'm trying to decide between several great cars: a 2001 (or maybe 2002) 996TT or an 09 or 10 C63 AMG in the $40-something range, or perhaps an SLK55 in the $30-something range. This would be a semi-DD in that I would want to drive it most of the time, except in snow or other similar situations when I would drive an old beater. No real track use. I've test driven all three, and previously owned a 996TT and a number of AMG Benzes. I'm over 6'4" but thin/athletic. No kids, but wifey would drive it some and would like an "automatic", meaning no clutch pedal that the driver must depress to shift. I tend to like torque -- I actually prefer the 335i over the M3, for example (I know that is sacrilege to many folks). Seat of the pants, the 996TT feels a bit quicker than the C63 which in turn feels a decent amount quicker than the SLK. The C63 and SLK are more linear while the 996's TT make it more explosive. Ride quality in the 996 and C seem different but approximately on par, while the SLK feels choppier. Thoughts on any of these including driving experience and total cost to own over time? Am I overlooking some other obvious option? I realize these are not apples to oranges, but that is part of the fun of a toy for a car guy, no?

Tough choice as they are all great cars but it depends on whether you are looking for a sports car experience or a sports coupe. Also is a drop-top something you really want? The newer cars are going to have more creature comforts and probably feel a bit more refined than the 996TT. But the turbo will give you more of the sporty experience and stand out in the crowd a bit more than the other two. Cost of maintenance is probably about the same for all but the Turbo is a little further down the line in terms of depreciation and probably won't go down in price too much more. Can't go wrong with any of them, just depends on what you're after.