My "primary" bike is a road bike, but I wanted something else for rides with my wife and some friends... something not quite as fast and more suited to paved trails and city streets. Given the generous return policy, I ordered the Avenue from Wally World to try out. It should be in today or tommorow so I'll be able to give you an additional perspective on it soon. Honestly, I ordered it to have something to ride while I continue to search craigslist for something of better quality, but I'm hoping to be pleasantly surprised. If not, I'll return it before the 90 days are up.
As to your specific question, the bike at performance looks to be the better deal for the $$ involved.