I bought my '96 because I do prefer the looks of the 94-98 GT's better than the 99-04. Now, the 03-04 cobra...that's a different story. In my opinion, the Terminator is the best looking mustang ever.
Anyway, I kind of like being looked down on. I like being an underdog. It makes it that much sweeter when I wipe that cocky smirk off of the faces of people driving 99-04's, LT1's, SRT-4's, the occasional 05+ GT's (stock), and even stock Evo's (yes, I've raced ONE Evo and won). Although 99-04's drivers are probably the least cocky of those aforementioned cars. Droptop said he didn't know anyone with a stock 96-98, and that's kind of true for me too. I know of a lot more bone-stock 99-04's around here than 96-98's.