Better or worse for what
Everything's a compromise. Assuming each setup is "properly designed", a STS will almost always loose to other setups if measured by "peak performance". This is critical in drag racing. In 4 wheeling, "peak performance" is far less critical. In fact - often times we want (low to mid torque, wide power bands) to do exactly the opposite of what drag racers want (Narrow, high RPM peak power band). That said - from the reading I've done, the STS performance is VERY close to that of a traditional turbo setup. Good for us, but "close" isn't good enough for drag racing.
The major advantage of an STS setup is you can put the turbo just about anywhere you want along the exhaust side. This is important for setups like ours where turbo headers aren't readily available, or if there's no room in the engine compartment. It also keeps the engine compartment less cluttered (easier trail repairs). It also eliminates the need for an intercooler (the intake charge pipe is long enough to also act as the intercooler and cool the intake charge). Easier engineering wise, but still about the same net cost (you need to buy a scavenging oil pump). Cost savings is being able to delete a custom header.
If the STS setup is used in sand or mud, then you'll need to do something to protect the intake from getting too dirty too fast. Same with river crossings. IF I run a remote mount turbo, then I'll be running a bypass on my turbo setup to go to a traditional intake & exhaust. I do river crossings about 2x a year. Probably another $100 or so in valves & piping.
