I think Benson did a superior job. Just me.
You're not alone since Benson netted the Grammy for his cover. I'm pushing 70 so my tastes tend toward the more conventional and I found Benson's styling too jazzy. OTOH, I'm aware that the Carpenters are often derided as elevator music. Yet the sweet purity of Karen Carpenter's voice appeals to me.
Here's a few others that may go against the grain of younger FReepers:
Love Portion #9 - I like the remake by The Searchers better than the original by the Clovers. I think the rather spartan guitar licks are what draws me to the remake.
I Almost Lost My Mind - Pat Boone's version is easier on my ears than Ivory Joe Hunter, who wrote and performed it. Note the absence of the /sarc tag. I just like his smooth delivery in his treatment of this, especially Pat's "Boo Hoo" at the very end. Pat Boone made the song accessible to people of my generation. It's a shame that he's not treated as a serious musician by so many. He contributed a great deal to our culture.