I have both...
The Savage is stronger in stock trim. I wasn't completely satisfied with the Maxx until
I upgraded some weak parts in the stock design. The 2.5 works great and has worked
great since the day I had it.
I like the Savage over the Maxx bone stock, but with the RPM stuff on the Maxx, I think
they are pretty equal in all aspects.
Of course, the Savage is a bit harder to work on, it has it's shortfalls to, but still comes
out on top I think.