gboulton is exactly right. Actually learning about aerodynamics will allow you to evaluate planes yourself and get the flight characteristics you want. Another thing not yet mentioned is the role that setup plays. CG location, throws, flight trimming, and engine selection can change the way a plane flies dramatically. That's part of the design of typical "sport" models. Broad options in CG, engine, and throws let you have a model you can grow up with. Even aerobatic planes can change in their flight characteristics with flight trimming. For example, an IMAC flyer might set up an Edge 540 to be very neutral handling with only enough control throw to do the required maneuvers at the very corners of the stick positions, wheras a 3D flyer would go more tail heavy with bigger throws on the same plane to improve harriers and hovering.