Hi Fred,
I would second the other response in that these are very very different boats, one lighter and probably more fun to sail, the other much heavier. So I think a basic decision is what type of boat you want, based on how you will use it. I like it reasonably fast, responsive, and truly set up for sailing, instead of great on-the-hook parties. I think the Beneteau might fit that bill. Also, you may want to look at the various older conventional J-boats. That''s what I finally went with.
Also, do you want to buy new or used? I personally think that you can get much more for your money in the used market, especially if you are patient and wait for the little-used gem that''s bound to show up. It''ll still need work (little use => frozen y-valves, water
pumps, etc.), but still cost you a fraction of what a new boat does. Also, good info should be available, it should have been shaken down, etc..
On the other hand, the Europeans are able to give you good deals on new boats, due to the strong dollar. Bavaria especially, since they aren''t so established yet that they are all sold out.
On the IPs: I think they are way overpriced, and have some stuff on them, that just doesn''t make sense if you really want to sail (e.g. the pull-out wash-basin/make-up table in the aft stateroom). It''ll just break, takes up valuable space, etc. .