The 201 is my favorite, I have one with a belt driven motor. If you aren't dependend on lots of auto features like needle up/down, auto tying off, cutting thread, and can do a bit of DIY cleaning and oiling it is a top notch machine. I doubt any new machine will be more capable and well behaved. Even though it's just a straight stitcher I hold it in high regard. I hope one with the gear driven motor will turn up near me :- )
At the moment I can't make mine free motion, I get very tiny stitches for some reaosn. I have messed up the tension I think, because a while back it behaved very well. The odd thing is tension and stitching are fine for regular sewing.