Paul,
Range claims are worthless without knowing the technical
specifications of the radio and the type/location of the
antenna. It isn't so much the power output of the radio
that determines range, it's the antenna and where it's
located. As with any 'line of sight' radio, antenna height
is everything. If you stood on the same spot each time, there
probably isn't any difference in range for either brand of
radio.
As to quality/clarity of signal, I have no idea. I haven't
dealt with Midland, or Motorola GMRS radios. Probably the only
major difference is in the 'bells-n-whistles'. Both companys
have been in the VHF/UHF 'bid-nez' long enough to get their
acts together.
'Doc