I don't discuss 2 stroke Victas, simply because I despise the engines in all of them as examples of low-grade agricultural engineering, with the PowerTorque the worst of all.
In this case both of the mowers you are looking at are from major, well-regarded manufacturers. Either of them should do a decent job, but so will a 1970s Victa as long as it is a 4 stroke in good condition. If, as you said, getting a good-looking mower is important to you, it should be easy to make your selection.
