If you are primarily interested in detail and scale-like appearance you are probably going to have to compare individual models since these vary over time. From a control system standpoint, LC/LC+ is a simpler, less capable system that is strikingly less complicated and more reliable/easier to implement in my experience than DCS. There is a cost issue in the control system if that matters to you. DCS with wi-fi is going to be much more expensive than the Lionel LC/Bluetooth universal remote, with much greater capabilities to go along with that expense. Figure $400 vs $40.
That said, if detail is your main interest, the MTH line tends to provide greater detail at lower price points than the Lionel line, in general.
