Two offers, which one to choose

I have two offers:

1. Contract to hire, hourly rate for contract is $49/hour(w2), perm is $83K, which is not written in the paper as currently the paper is from the recruiting company as a contractor for $48/hour
2. direct hire, $88K

Two companies are about the same, but I have totally different interview experiences with them. For #1: one phone and onsite interview with the hiring manager, no other team member/director/VP. The manager did not ask any technical questions, just asked my past working experience and how many years I used XXX, etc on the phone interview. For onsite, mainly the behavior questions, with one HR people sit aside taking the notes(HR did not ask me any question). The onsite and phone interview each lasted only last 30 minutes. Company #2 has an intensive technical phone interview with 3 people, onsite interview includes intensive technical interview with all the team member(4), with the director, and with the VP. It lasted 3+ hours.
#2 is half way closer to where I live, the hiring manager is a korean.

I like the $48/hour rate, but not sure how long the contract period will last as it is a contract-to-hire position. The recruiter mentioned about 3 months, but not written in the paper. How long does it normally last for the contract period for contract-to-hire position?

I really need your opinion on which one to pick. I will have to make the decision today. Thanks a lot!