Welcome to the forum.
I've driven 16 x 350's, aging from 2003 - 2007, softtop & hardtop. The older models, have much firmer suspension, this changed about mid 2004, someone correct me if I'm wrong, but the 2005 onwards is definitely on the softer suspension. It really comes down to personal preference, and how the individual car handles. My 2004 was a nightmare on the stock suspension, but then other 2004 were nowhere near as harsh as my little beasty.
Personally I'd recommend taking a few for a drive, to get a good comparison. Was the 2007 you drove a demo car??? Most cars feel a bit different after they've done about 5000 kms, everything all bedded/settled in etc.
The newer models have more power, but slightly less torque and are also slightly heavier, so it all balances out to basically the same thing.
Also add into the equation how long you maybe keeping the car for if you are doing higher mileage.
Keep us posted on what you end up with.