Road stress
The new highway may be the better option.
The old route is heavily traveled over most portions, offers increased transit risks ranging from foolhardy drivers, more junkers, and poor road maintenance conditions in some areas. The advantage is the offering of more places to stop, rest, buy, and eat.
The new highway offers better road safety, less traffic- few heavy trucks and gua guas, less incidents of crazy drivers, less busy for the eyes to allow better road focus, and a better road. There are less options for convenience stops of any type. There are comfort and fuel facilities near the northern end of the toll road, a Texaco and restaurant about midway, and then all the Las Americas comforts at the southern end. Downside is the tolls the paying for less road stress.
Regards,
PJT