Both paper (cellulose) and synthetic media's have their place in the market. One is not better than the other in all respects. Depending on your priorities, one might be a small "5%" better than the other.
The main categories of filter performance:
1. filtration capability (partical size, capacity, etc ...)
2. environmental toughness (waterproof, UV, oil, heat etc...)
3. reuseability/washability
Outlaw Power's NeverOil and AEM's DryFlow
Material: Synthetic Polyester
Layers: 3
Waterproof: Yes
Washable with pressurized air: Yes
Washable with water: Yes
Filtration: depends on the 3 layers chosen
Donaldson/Amsoil
Material: Paper (cellulose)
Layers: 2
Waterproof: No
Washable with pressurized air: Yes
Washable with water: No (nano web washes away with water)
Filtration: depends on the nano web density chosen