I am not a fan of either radio you listed only because I think thats alot to cram into a radio. They tend to run hot and if you a long talker the radio will not last.
That said the RCI has four 2879 finals so it should be the stronger radio then the Connex with four 1446 finals. I still can't believe they stuff a 4 pill linear into a radio like that. I agree with Peddler.
Dan .. my personal opinion is if a radio doesn't have sideband, then it's not worth considering, but to each his own. I'd go with a lower power radio and add an amp.