The spec sheets list the Malibu Sunscape 21 LSV 2008 as v25 diamond and the Malibu Wakesetter 23 XTi 2007 as modified vee, so check how each hull rides in the conditions you use before you decide.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Malibu Sunscape 21 LSV 2008 at 21,0 ft versus Malibu Wakesetter 23 XTi 2007 at 23,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Malibu Wakesetter 23 XTi 2007 tips the scales at 3 700 lbs - 200 lbs less than the Malibu Sunscape 21 LSV 2008 at 3 500 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling - 400 hp for the Malibu Sunscape 21 LSV 2008 and 400 hp for the Malibu Wakesetter 23 XTi 2007. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads - 46 gal and 47 gal - so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Malibu Wakesetter 23 XTi 2007 is rated for 14 passengers, while the Malibu Sunscape 21 LSV 2008 caps at 12. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Malibu Wakesetter 23 XTi 2007 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Malibu Wakesetter 23 XTi 2007 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 14 passengers and at 23,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Malibu Sunscape 21 LSV 2008 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 12 that costs less to run day-to-day.