You can hash back and forth which is better for any given application all year. You're still left with several basics of modding.
Price: Vortech kit comes in cheaper initially, but the SF turbo system has quite a bit more parts included in that initial price. Advantage: Depends on your pocket book.
Performance: The turbo kicked the crap out of the Vortech on initial numbers. But yet again, add on those extra bits like headers, cooler boost, and tuning ability to the Vortech and see what you get. Advantage: Depends on your pocket book.
Reliability: The Vortech had some stumbles out of the gate, but picked up some points with the redesigned jack shaft and mentioning putting a loop in the oil feed line to save the oil seals. The turbo just started making waves and needs to settle in before I make any sort of move. Advantage: Vortech until the turbo is at least a year old in my eyes.
Upgrade availability: Put a smaller pulley on the Vortech to bring the boost on sooner for more low RPM torque and HP. Still at the factory 9psi ratings unless you change out the BOV. Add a water/air cooler. Headers. About all that's left to upgrade on the turbo system is the boost setting and/or swapping out to a larger turbo. Advantage: neither.
It's all about trade offs when it comes to modding. Quite frankly I won't be happy until I've had both and been able to break both before I make any decision. What ever puts down the best numbers in my car with me driving is what I'll stick with.
