Mike,
Mine's a 289....so I like what you're sayin'
Lighter, better balanced, more fun because the engine power suits the chassis.
Got to qualify this though, as mine hasn't turned a wheel yet....however weight, balance and grip all have to be 'talking' to each other.
I started a thread here on CC quite a few years ago titled something like "How much power is enough" and quite a number of respondents weren't in agreement that too much power could be counterproductive.
Cheers!
Glen
edit: found it....
How much power is enough?