Going full XC (Spur to Epic 8)

I’m looking at replacing my Transition Spur with a Specialized Epic 8 expert.

This year, I’ve gotten hooked on XC racing. I’ve done well in the Open (Cat 2) age division and my lap times are usually only a minute or two off the Cat 1 folks (this is just an average, obviously sometimes there’s a greater difference depending on who shows up to race). I’m trying to close the gap and get into Cat 1. I know fitness is the biggest limiter, and I’m working on that.

Has anyone ridden both the Spur and the Epic 8? The geo’s are fairly similar on paper. Is the Epic 8 a much better climber? That’s my biggest gripe with the Spur. I feel it bobs a bit and isn’t as efficient as it could be. The bike also feels long in the front, likely due to the aggressive geometry more tuned for the PNW, not the Midwest. Of course, it’s great on the downs, but that isn’t where XC races are won.

Thoughts? Money aside, should I go for an Epic 8 or will it not be much different than the Spur?