I have seen T-41A's at USAF Flying Clubs, although I suspect they were upgraded to the 180 hp engine. I read that this was a common practice. I flew a T-41 with 180 HP engine that belonged to the CAP. I also flew CAP T-41B and Hawk XP that belonged to CAP. My impressions were much the same as yours. I preferred the T-41B. The Hawk was a bit quicker, but it was better streamlined, with spinner and more tightly cowled nose. The B was roomier -- or seemed to be, anyway, and had beefy landing gear. Although they both had IO-360 engines, the Hawk was only rated at 195 HP. That was associated with an upper RPM limitation. As you noted, in practice (normal flight) there was little difference in performance.

Shoot...now you have got me thinking that a T-41B might be a nice replacement for what I have. (Although Ron could probably convince me that what I am really looking for is a Navion.)