VPI questions Aries - Scout - Hot Rod

Hi folks.

Great fan of these tables and hopefully will be an owner soon. Cutting to the chase; here are some questions that, if answered, will really help set my final purchase decision:

Supposing that the front end and cartridges stay the same:

1. What are the biggest sonic differences btw Scout and Aries? (Considering the purchase of extended version with 12.5 arm and sds)

2. How close does the Hot Rod perform in comparison to the tables that are even more money (Walker, Rockport etc)?

3. Applying the law of diminishing returns, do any of the differences btw Scout and Aries warrant the considerable increase in dollars if you are on a "limited budget"?

4. Since I collect vintage recordings, how do 78's translate on them with the proper associated equipment?
(I know that Technics and Esoteric Sound really corner the market on that niche, but since VPI is so good on modern pressings, I'd love to use it for all of my records without having to get a separate table)

Cartridges that I am seriously considering are the Dynavector 10x4, 20XL, Benz Glider and Lyra Helikon.

Thank you as always.

D.H.