Which Guitar should i get? Les Paul vs. Stratocaster?

k im upgrading from a crappy guitar to a nice one. im in the 500-600 price range so i was thinking. I would either get the standard(mexican) strat. or the standard(mexican) epiphone les paul. what do you think is an overall better guitar? i think they are both about the price range listed above. so ya any opinions abot sound quality, comfort, relibility, or anything would be appreciated. thanks