well casting distance depends alot on the rod. more on the rod so than the reel.
but when i was using the 5500 i casted about the same as with my citica, but not quite as far.
i can cast a good 5-10 yards further with my citica than the abu. the abu just didnt have all the different brake settings and the cast control knob wasnt as sensative. citica is more high-tech and preforms better.
casting distance isnt all about the reel either, it depends on the rod length, power, action; the lure weight and profile (bulky lures dont go thru the air so well) and it also depends on the skill of the fisherman too...im not the greatest caster in the world, but i dont make mistakes...im sure i could do better though.
so it really all depends on many different properties, not just the reel. hope i didnt bore you to death ;D