The difference is of course the handle and the steel.

The elite uses an SG2 core with rockwell hardness 64-66.
The onion uses the same as the classic VG10 which is about a 61.

Comparatively, the German knives average 55-57.

The biggest factor, I would think, would be which is more comfortable to you.
Personally, I have a few Classic Shun and love how sharp they are and how smoothly they slice.