I own both, as far as gameplay goes I would pick LOTR. Great rule set, great shots, great package in general. Not that TZ is lacking in any of those areas, but LOTR just draws me in much more than TZ. I think the shot layout is much better in LOTR, shots are much more rewarding.
Build quality goes to TZ hands down. Stern just can't compete with build quality. Art also goes to TZ by a long shot.
I've had TZ for almost 16 years and LOTR for only a few months, so there may be some new game bias!