Ride quality because of the upgraded wheels? I don't think so. You might have ever so slightly better performance and feeling for the road with upgraded wheels.

I'd probably go for the Cannondale just because it's newer. But still, I think it's a toss up which you pick.

Factors that might change my mind would be which is lighter and by how much. Also aesthetics. I would not care to ride a black bike. I'd also ride a pink bike before I ride a purple bike. So the Cannondale still wins out.

But you have to decide. It's going to be your bike, not mine. Won't bother me at all as to what I might see you riding if we should ever pass each other.