Having played and owned several of both, I can offer a little: on the used market, an MIA Sterling is worth probably close to twice as much money - so I'd be leary of it being some sort of scam/stolen/defective, etc...
Playing-wise, they both have similar shaped necks, although the Sterling has more frets, a much smaller body, and will probably be a little lighter... Tone-wise, the Fender will have a little more natural mid presence than the Sterling - they both have alot of EQ range capability... As long as it's not a dud or trashed, the Sterling may be a better player, and a little better made - a good Fender is indeed a well made instrument, whereas EBMM consistantly makes good instruments...
- georgestrings