The 2096 has a touch more upper-midrange and top end pull.

One the manifolds... one is longer one is shorter. Effectively the 41021 is the one that works 99% of the time. The "long" manifold works on occasion in truggy and on *very* short tracks.

For any +4 family engine, the 41021/9901 is the standby combo. If you're on bigger more open/flowing tracks with a long straight (over 100') then the 2096 has a bit of an edge.