I was in a similar boat to you once upon a time I think there are advantages either way. Maloo is now 285KW and the R8 Has the same motor with standard hardcover with wing, better wheels, leather interior and a few other little bits. The cab in the Ford utes is a hell of alot bigger having the space cab design but I hate how the style side tray is still seperate to the cab and that they pre drill the holes for the soft cover and then just put metal caps in to fill the holes, very dodgy. Also looking at my mates persuit, they don't linish the rear hinges for the tailgate which is a bit slack for such a dear ute. I don't thing the Persuit looks different enough to a XR8 I mean compare a SS to a Maloo R8 MASSIVE DIFFERENCE!!!! I bought a XR6T and I am happy with. Its preferance more than anything