If there are any PA38's in your area go for them it will be more comfy and also the handling of the aircraft will make you a better pilot.
I've often wondered about this Mad Jock, I have transitioned to cessna's after training exclusively in 38's and 28's I had a hell of a lot of fun in the Cessna but i did notice i could do a lot of stuff in a 172 that would kill you in a tommie.
50 Knt approach in a tommie?.... you'd be chewing the wire!