Hi Mary,
I've played both models but I've got to say that what really counts is how they sound and feel to you.

However, you should be aware that the Golden Era version comes with an adirondack (red spruce) top. This type soundboard was used on most pre-war Martins and they take quite a bit longer to play in than the sitka ones found on the standard D-18. So if you pick up a new GE it might not be anywhere near the instrument that it could become in a couple of years of steady playing.
Good luck.














Not to further muddy the waters but Martin also makes the D-18V which is similar to the GE but with a Sitka top like the standard D-18.