I picked up a used 1998 Jamis Aurora kind of accidentally. 56cm frame, Shimano RSX components, triple crankshaft, brifters. Color is electric blue (so it is 1998.) I think it's a touring bike from what I have read, also it has front and rear brazons for racks and also centerpull brakes.
700c wheels. It has a Reynolds 525 chromalloy frame from what i read.

I have some other old steel framed road bikes that are lighter that are not touring bikes. 1983 Trek 760, 1983 Specialized Sequoia, 1982 Trek 311 (even this one is lighter than the Jamis i think.)

I have never owned or ridden a touring bike before. I find this Jamis to be kind of like an old Chevy Impala sedan, kind of heavy feeling in the ride and the actual weight. I read one person reviewing this model bike that its a good bike but a little pig-like (meaning the frame is a little heavy.)

It had a list price of $600 in 1998. I am assuming it was cheaper than a Trek 520.

Here's my question- if i got a Trek 520 or a Surly LHT new would it be/feel significantly lighter or sportier in ride? I am trying to figure out what to do with this Jamis (I got it just to ride recreationally on an upcoming trip rather than ship my other bikes-- trying to figure out if i want to keep it post-trip or not) and I am wondering if it's good for the intended use of touring (it's already heavy unloaded) or maybe commuting, or if i got serious for these purposes if i would find those other brands-models significantly better in ride.

Right now it has brand new inexpensive 25cm tires and Im not impressed with the ride. It seems an odd combination of heavy bike and thin tires. I told this to my local bike repair tech and he didnt think it would feel/ride any better with better or thicker tires. I asked him if the bike was like a Trek 520. He said it is more like my Trek multitrack 720 (which is heavy too, that is a hybrid bike.)

I am not doing any touring or commuting now, just recreational rides but i may start doing touring and commuting soon.