Well, I have the beautiful blue 2011 "105". DIL has 2012 dark grey with pink trim Apex. Both of us really love our bikes. I probably should have gotten the Apex cuz it is a little lower geared and I run out of gears on hills. Apex was new last year and I went with 105 because it was a known product. Also, 105 was an upgrade throughout the bike, however I probably wouldn't have noticed the difference. Both rode very well.
DIL can get up the hills just fine either way. We've both been very happy.
By the way, my fav. color is blue. Her's is pink. We're both happy.
Both seem to be very good bikes. If they both ride well, color wins. (I can't imagine not picking the blue though .
2011 Specialized Ruby Comp
2015 Giant Liv Tempt 3