There are over 40 8051-compatible chip vendors making over 700 8051 derivatives. For motorola's 8-bit derivatives (I'll assume we're not comparing a 32-bit mot device to an 8051) there's Motorola and Toshiba (if Toshiba even makes those devices anymore). So, the variety and selection, not to mention the second, third, and often fouth and fifth sources are available with the 8051.

Motorola had a lot of problems with allocation several years ago and if you weren't buying tens of thousands of devices, you just couldn't get them. So, even if they're "more powerful" it's a moot point if you can't get them.

As for the number of addressing modes, the 8051 has many more than 5 (actually, more than 15). But, who cares. How many times has anyone selected a device based on addressing modes?

I'd discount this guy's knowledge as very limited regarding the 8051.

Jon Ward
Keil Software