as I understand it, the XC W is set up suspension and gearing wise more for the tighter slower gnarly single track stuff, while the XC is set up for a more aggressive riding style, as what I like to do, as far as faster trails, some MX, and wide open out on the sand whoops out at the beach, and I've always liked my suspensions to be on the stiffer side, anyways. I havn't ridden a XC W but I had ridden the XC and the EXC and felt it (the EXC)was a little to soft in the suspension for me. And as far as the headlight, during riding season we've got ALOT of daylight here. Guess I just wanted the XC
Best explanation that I've ever heard.