They're both great guns, so I think it is more personal preference than anything else. The strenght is about equal due to the locking lug designs, even though the Marlin looks beefier, so that isn't an issue. The main differences really is that the Marlin weighs slightly more making it very slightly slower in the hands, but makes up for it by being very easy to correctly mount a scope on. The Winchester is lighter and faster, but scope mounting isn't really a good option so you are stuck with the iron sights, which I prefer anyway. Accuracy is equal too, but the levers do feel different when cycling the action. Having said that, I have both, and really like both, so I vote to get both if possible, but if not, then shoulder both and buy whichever feels better to you. My Winchesters are late '60s/early '70s made, and my Marlin is early '70s. I can't speak for the newer ones though.