To P11, or NOT to P11... That is the question.

I am sick of owning old Chevys (for the past 6 yrs they are all I could afford). So I have been saving up, and researching what I think are hot newer imports.

Rightnow I am in love with the G20 (p11). I am wondering if I should spend the 12k for a '99 (P11), or if a '96 (P10) would be just as good and cost less? The handling reviews seem better for the P11 despite the lack of 4 wheel independence. What are your thoughts?

Either way you can't go wrong...If you get the P11, you'll be spending more, but you'll have a newer, more luxurious feeling car, but without the independent suspension. If you get the P10, you'll have more $ to spend on mods, etc, but will be taking the risk that comes with buying an older, higher mileage vehicle.
Both cars are EXTREMELY reliable, according to Consumer Reports they are the most reliable vehicle in the Family-Car class. Both are fairly rare, so you'll get a bit of attention from people wondering what kind of car you've got.

Yup couldnt of said it better!! :p But im gunna say P11 because I have one and I like them!! :p

The P10 is faster than the P11 because it is lighter.

I've also heard the the standard has much more pep than the auto... This sounds strange to me. Obviously with a standard you can run high revs, but autos typically pull decent torque if you hit the gas hard enough. So is it true? Does the P11 Auto feel (all around) more sluggish than the manual?

Also, I have read a lot in the suspenssion threads, but just to be sure... It sounds like the Touring P11 handles pretty rough if you drop it with springs and run the stock strut/shock, but the Basic P11 is fine when lowered w/ stock s/s left on. True or not?

Yes. The auto can be sluggish at times. If you want more performance, definately get the manual.
As for how the P11 will handle with a lowered suspension, I think that if you just get the lowering springs without getting the shocks/struts strong enough to handle the higher spring rates, then you'll always have a crappy ride, touring model or otherwise. :)
I'd say go ahead and get the P11, and before you do any mods research the forum thoroughly to get an idea as to you want to do with your G and what mods are best.:D

Automatic transmission cars are always more sluggish than manual tranny cars. That's what happens when you have to move a bunch of fluid around before the power goes to the wheels. Not only that, but you can't decide when and where your car will shift. There's a great editorial in the new issue of SCC that talks about this (comparing the different types of Constant Variable Transmissions).

Yep, I have an auto and when I shift using 1 and 2nd instead of drive, that alone makes a difference because you can actually floor it to redline then shift, instead of it automatically shifting at 4000 RPM.
Plus have an auto is something like 80 lbs extra over a manual and more expensive.