I would have loved to own a V-8 powered (albeit small) Taurus, but that body style just never apealed to me. I have a '93 LX and a '93 SHO. The LX was leased when new for 4 years, and I would have turned it in for a new '97 Taurus if the redesigned body turned me on. Instead, I opted to buy the LX rather than lease a new "fishbowl" styled Gen III Taurus. I know the car evolved in other ways that make it a better driver in some ways, but...
When I had a chance to buy a nice, 93 SHO a year and a half ago, I decided to go for it. Although it's not as quick as my '91 5.0 Mustang, it IS a great car in it's own right, and I enjoy driving it everyday. I know the Gen III's have an improved chassis and brake system, but I'm not convinced the small V-8 engine is any improvement over the Yamaha V-6. Style is a matter of taste, and I've already mentioned my feelings about that!
I hope that the SHO's continue to keep people's interest in the future, no matter which edition you like most.