Dana....Bigger and stronger because it has larger everything, but is also heavier and takes more HP to run. Downside is that it is not easily worked on like the drop out section of the 8 3/4”
8 3/4”.....still strong, but takes less HP to do the job. Parts are smaller and more susceptible to failure under high stress like too much HP. Plus side is it’s easier to work in and change parts in.
my take is that you use the right tool for the job. If you are running mild to moderate HP and doing dual duty track and street, the 8 3/4” is the right tool for that job. If you’re running high HP, or in heavy duty applications such as strip only or in a truck, the Dana is the right tool.
Is one better than the other? All depends on your application.