so why is the L with an en22 better than a rs with an ej25? I saw that there was about an average diffrence of 20hp between the L and rs favoring the rs. Is the 22 just a better base than the 25?

Dollars v. performance and the reliablility factor. Chances are 1 in 4 that the 98-01 RS will have its headgaskets fail, this brings on a pretty hefty repair bill in itself. Do a search of the new gen forum of the head gasket and ej25 threads. So many people just swap to a 2.2 when the gaskets fail. Then factor in your insurance costs for the two. You may have parents who are willing to help like I had when I was your age, but keep them in mind as well. You'll give up a few options with an L model over an RS. But also keep in mind this is my opinion. And if the right deal came on a 98-01 RS I'd buy it, but I wouldn't keep the ej25 in for long.