my wife has a ba xr6 turbo , i cant recommend you get one even if it's just a xr6, its a pos...sure it goes hard stock, looks good for a large sedan,heaps of interior room... but be prepared for driveline clunks, ive had on going issues with bad idle, brake shudder and warping discs, f**ked bushes. Shit build quality/parts used is the problem... steer away from the Ford! even later models like bf etc have these type of issues ocurring...
Nothing wrong with a na r34 Manual, while on your p's.... obviously wont be as quick as the turbo variants but who cares... suspension work and intake and exhaust should keep you happy for few yrs..