Which is better? Intermountain or PROTO F7's? - Model Railroader Magazine

I have 3 Athearn Genises and 1 Proto 2K F7

Putting the DCC features aside, and talking straight DC...

Athearn Genisis F7 

There was a lack of consistancy between unit motors.  One ran faster at slow speed, and slower at fast speed.  (?Different motor?/Bad pickups perhaps?)

Replacing the coupler with Kadees wasn't exactly easy.

Excellent pulling power.  Low starting power.

Proto 2K F7

Detail is superior on the Proto by far.  Kick plate on the steps beneath the cab entrance, radio whip antennas, better/more accurate 5 chime horn, and grab irons across the nose where they should be.  The diaphram is more realistic and couples closer than the athearn.

Pulling power is slightly reduced.  (Had to remove 4 cars of 28 on a 2% grade)

IF you look around you can find the protos for the same price as the Athearns.  If the intermountains are like that Athearns, I would go proto.