Old bike w/ high end components vs...

newer bike with low end components?

There is a Specialized in my size with Durra Ace groupset which is from the 90s I'm guessing. The other is Giant Defiant 5 from 2013 with a Shimano 2300 groupset. $150 and $200 respectively.

I am interested in three things: dependability, efficiency, and low maintenance.

I am commuting to work these days, 18 miles round trip some stop and go. I have been using a hybrid that works fine but road bikes blast past me as I look on with envy. I don't really have a place indoors to store it while at work so it will get rained on.

How much of a difference does 20 years make? What should I be looking at when I assess the mechanical condition of the components? Are high end components more finicky?