In general Springfield makes a fine gun, at least comparable to and probably better than a colt. If you are talking about a Loaded model, it will have a lot of added features eg Novack sights, full length guide rod, extended thumb saftety, beavertail grip. So for the money, I think it is a better deal. Either would be suited for custom work later.
Some people will disagree with me on this but the one problem that I have with Springfield is that mine had a lot of sharp edges on it: Slide serrations, slide stop, and safety. I dont know if this is the case with all Springfields or if I just got a particulary sharp one, but you may want to look at it closely in this regard. This problem though, can be easily fixed; and good smith can de-horn it for you.