A couple years ago I was downsizing a bit and decided I needed only one all-rounder. The choice came down to keeping either a 1992 Stumpjumper Comp with drop bars (not lugged) or an 87 Trek 520 Cirrus. I chose the Stumpy as it was more different from my other bikes and can take fatter tires. But that Trek was one smooth rider and could easily take 700 x 32 tires with fenders.
In the end there are loads of good choices. How it fits, how you set it up and especially how good the wheels and tires are will matter as much as the frame.