The Singer 99 is a 3/4 size machine, so it's a tad smaller than the 301, BUT it is a very heavy machine. My 301 is light weight full size machine, and very portable, has a built in handle and does FMQ. Both machines do a beautiful straight stitch. The 99 is a low shank machine. The 301 is a slant shank. If I had to pick between the two I would go with the 301.