Both should be fine.

Just changed Marea front shocks. Previous owner installed TOP brand shocks which were horrible. Installed SACHS brand shocks and felt a world of difference. They are firm in their ride but still comfortable. Saw the TOP and SACHS and found several differences. The gas chamber of SACHS is slightly bigger and noticed that the piston has a thicker diameter to TOP.

My mechanic told me that Magnetti Marelli shares almost the features as TOP.
Anyone else have other observations?

The only branded shocks I've used are Bilstein and Koni. My marea is more of an A to B workhorse so finely tuned shocks are not needed.

I would have thought MM might have been what were fitted from new. Given the old shocks sound like they were bust, then any new shocks would feel much better than old worn ones.

The ex-owner told me he just changed the absorbers and I only acquired the Marea barely a month ago. After dismantling the old absorbers, we tested them & found them still functional. Only difference is, on the car it gives a floating feeling.