I never compare my machine to others. I have a little Janome platinum and I love it for classes and retreats, it only weighs 12#.
I also have a larger, heavier Janome 6600 which I absolutely love! I take it sometimes on retreats.
I am a converted Viking sewer. My old workhorse machine that I have had forever is a Viking 650 from 1977. My DIL is using it now. I purchases a new Viking Designer I but never cared for it so I sold it and got the Janome 6600. All is well!!!
Neither of my machines do the fancy embroidery, but I don't need that so I am happy.