I think stevens may be the better gun. But as a huge mauser fan I would say spring for the 98. If nothing else you have a timeless action to build a custom gun on later down the road. The Savage action ain't bad, but we're talking about a mauser. Give it to a good 'smith and watch it become a piece of art. Don't...and well, you've still got a mauser.

Like I already said, I would buy the daly in a heartbeat and consider it an investment for fatter days. (I believe most mausers, including the 98, are neither "long" or "short" so you can have a barrel in any non-magnum caliber put on it. If you want a magnum just have the 'smith change out the bolt face while he's at it.)