I have the 1656 CCJ w/ 60/40J. I think it needs about 10 more HP at the pump for me, but overall happy with the performance.
This Lowe boat weighs the same as the G3 1656, doesn't have a livewell and looks like it has less storage volume than the G3. I think the Merc has a large pump, while the Yammy on the G3 uses the medium pump...or maybe it's med on the Merc and small on the Yammy. No catwalk around the gunnel like the G3 which I find very useful. Leaning post would have to go for me. Lowe has a 6.6gal full cell...which is nowhere near big enough, G3 has 9 gal.
I believe the boats will perform similarly because of the trade offs of each. Merc a little faster than the Yammy, but the Lowe is wider and has pods that will slow it down but carries less fuel so that's less weight.
I like both boats.