Well, strictly speaking, there is NO other handgun that can compare to the mighty 1911, in my eyes. Over 100 years of strong service and still going strong.
The XD is a formidable weapon, and I know several people who actually prefer them because of the cost/value versus a high end 1911. I don't know of too many people who have tried them that don't see their merit.
That said, John Browning also built the Browing Hi Power, which, is considered the King of the Nines for a reason. You might want to check one out, you will find several features that are pretty close to your 1911's.
JD