What I tel people that ask me this question is get what you can afford. If you cannot afford an 8274 Warn don't buy one but don't be the first one to volunteer to pull out everyone that gets stuck, From what I can see after tearing apart several winches for rebuilds, warns, Ramsey, MM Most are put together very similarly, there will be a difference as stated previously in the type of motor and gearing and quality of gears and other parts, but they are all similar. No Warn does not make 'their' motors they are purchased from BOSCH, as no winch manufacturer makes motors. To answer the very first question and the reason everyone is on the 'my winch is better than yours' kick Get what you can afford but like BJ says get the biggest you can afford, then use it sparringly or you will most likely be buying another one...

As for synthetic line, yes it is nice, and pretty. rub it across a rock, submerge it in mud do not properly maintain and you will be needing another one. Steel cable has it's weakness but will last along time with care to keep from kinking it or damaging it. Proper winching techniques will allow it to last a long time. synthetic is very expensive compared to a good steel cable.

If you can afford it there is no better winch than an Warn 8274 in my opinion as the only one I have ever witnessed failing was due to a bad motor which was a poor design and Warn no longer uses that brand of motor.