Smaller sub ported or larger sub sealed?

[Dan208]

I plan on getting a new sub in July. At first I was going to run a single 12" sealed (1.21 cubes) off 600 watts. Either a SA-12 or a Level 3 (the cutout is 11" and those are the only two that I've found that will fit).

After doing some thinking, I was wondering if it would be better to go with a cheaper sub (I'm thinking a SSA DCON 10" or an SA- with a really nice custom ported box? This sub would get 300 watts. I'd love to try an IA 187 or DC Level 2 but, unfortunately, they only come in dual 4 ohm and I'm not about to put 600 watts on a 300 watt sub.

It is for a daily driver and I listen to a wide variety of music. It will be going in a Saturn Vue, but I have to stay on the smaller side. I'm wanting something that will get low, but loud if I want it to. Budget is around $300.

[Max808]

sealed should sound better in SQ terms but remember you get what you pay for