what is the best small block and why ?

when the 273 was replaced with the 318, the performance option 273 commando was replaced with the 340 a strictly no nonsense hot rod V8 that could stomp on any small block out there, unfortunately by the early 1970's unleaded fuel meant lower compression and emissions requirements choked it down,
the answer was a longer stroke and more displacement with the introduction of the 360, a much better engine FOR IT"S TIME,
today the 340 has a mystique due to its early success and lower production,
where as the 360 is often seen as a low compression truck engine
the truth is they are BOTH great engines, and when built correctly are more than capable of keeping up with each other, the differences in bore and stroke are just that DIFFERENCES, they each have there own advantages and disadvantages, different but equal, neither one is "better"