At one level, you're dealing with 2 machines that record at a 16bit/44khz level. Having said that, as a former owner of a VF80, I think this machine is a very well built, well specified model. Alot of multi-trackers under $1,000. feel like toys. The VF80 doesn't. The effects are numerous and very, very usable (if not overdone), and you can go from start, to a very high quality finished CD, without ever leaving the machine.
The VF80 has various "scene" functions that allow you to save various fader/effects parameters. The punch-in and edits are done without any pops or clicks, the thing never freezes, and there is no need to "optimize" the hard-drive (something very commonly necessary on other machines). Plus, you can upgrade to a bigger HD from a selection of several readily available units.
Also, the CD burner is a Plextor unit that has a reputation for a very low error rate.
The software and operating system was VERY well thought out by Fostex.