^^^^^ I guess I shoulda elaborated after the post...
These are my own, unscientific findings based only on
bicycle and motorcycle parts / frames. To me, the powdercoat
withstands sooooo much more abuse than the paint there
is no comparison. My latest example is a Surly frame. This
bike has been ridden in all weather, dropped and had stuff
bolted to the frame and it still shines almost perfectly and
has no chips. There is no painted frame Ive ever had that would
stand up as well. My Harley frame was powdered and it saw many
dirt / gravel farm roads for 4 years and up until I got rid of it, it still
shined up almost as new. Again, very unscientific but there is nothing
yet that will convince me there is any paint stronger than powder coat.
Im sure many will disagree with me, though