Designing Kitchens and Bathrooms - Clawfoot tubs - acrylic vs refinished cast iron

We are putting a clawfoot tub in our master bath and it's down to two tubs: one is a brand new acrylic slipper tub from Costco. The other is a refinished antique cast iron from a local refinish shop. Both are 5 1/2 feet long. Both cost $850. Both take approximately 4 weeks for delivery. The acrylic is a little deeper and has chrome finish feet. The cast iron has unusual feet and we can select our foot finish.

I understand that the cast iron retains heat better but a completely refinished tub surface can be "delicate". I have not found any distinct disadvantages of acrylic (are there any??) other than it doesn't retain heat as well as cast iron.

This will not be our primary bathing vessel, it's just a nice big tub for us to soak in when we aren't hanging out in the hot tub (or the hot tub is under 2 ft of snow like it is now). But I really like taking hot baths so it will definitely get used.

Are there any other advantages/disadvantages to consider? I need to decide ASAP or face the angst of our plumber who is patiently waiting for the final dimensions so he can finish doing his job...

Thanks fellow DIYers!

Sounds like you have this remodel just about done. Congratulations! As far as choice on the tubs, with equal cost, equal delivery time, not being a primary tub, go for the cast iron. Nothing is more beautiful than such old finery. From what I gather on all your posts, I think the cast iron will fit much better in your decor, anyway. Acrylic, well, its basically new. Will you be able to find any antique fittings, etc? Good luck.

Chandler thanks for the second opinion. Unfortunately we are nowhere near done, I just need to pick my tub and fixtures so the plumber can set the pipe in stone, er concrete.

I am hoping though with the tub decision that I will be motivated to get this project rolling at a faster pace!