CPU memory
I/O count (i.e. 64 analog inputs, 20 analog outputs, 256 discrete in, 128 discrete out, etc)
I/O voltage levels (24 vdc, 120 vac, 0-10v or 4-20mA analog)
I/O types (sinking or sourcing dc inputs, sinking or sourcing solid-state dc outputs, triac ac outputs, relay outputs, isolated relay outputs, votage or current analog I/O)
CPU communications and number of comm ports required
Desired remote I/O comm link
PLC power supply (AC or DC)
Back-up memory required (EEPROM or Flash)
Programming software requirements (Ladder logic, structured text, sequential function chart, function block, or all of the above)
These are the bare minimum.