I have long since (since the early 80's) answered this question with the reply - 15%. That is the difference in design horsepower (Cont O-200 v's Lyc O-235), roughly the difference in wing area, and roughly the difference in design gross weight. I've had the opportunity to do quite a bit of flying in both aircraft types and my answer is very simplified. To be honest the aircraft have VARI different handling and purposes in life. The Varieze is a little sports car - the Long Ez is a family saloon car. The Varieze is light on the controls, light on payload and is a delight to fly because of this feel. On the other hand the Long Ez was designed to be a utilitarian airplane and feels (lest I say it) more like a Witchita Spam can. The Long was underpowered in my opinion with the O-235. This is corrected when 0-320 powered and as such is a great airplane.
They're both GREAT airplanes - both quite different beasts despite the fact that they are similar looking. As the old saying goes - "horses for courses".
