Replying to my own post - just in case anyone else is searching.

The appliance store salesperson said that the Maytag was better since it had a better motor and better parts and a better warranty. So I'm getting the Maytag. I never trust salespeople cause I don't know what their incentives are, but in this case I didn't have anything else to go on.

I am not familiar with those two washers, but just a quick look at reviews on Lowes has the Maytag rated better than the Whirlpool. And yes, I do believe that Whirlpool bought out Maytag. Good luck with your new machine!

I'm very interested in this as I'm considering the same two machines. I went to a local appliance store and the saleslady told me they're made by the same company. I've read some reviews on the Maytag where the complaint is that the machine can spend far too much time sensing the load. The chief complaint on the Whirlpool seems to be the issue with the bearing no lasting very long. Any input?