This is a nicer picture from a photography point of view imo, plus this POD is a jump/step down where as that one is a bit more of a straight drop. Anyways, I get what you are saying, straight on pictures of a guy down a drop/step down will have a similar composition..
Personally I really like this POD, it would makean awesome poster blown up. nice colours
Oooh I dunno, it must just be the way this guys riding kit and lighting make him stand out of the picture really well. I suppose I'm just not as much of a fan of the other one, just one of those things