Honestly, performance wise both motors are pretty similar as I can't tell the difference. I also can't say which one actually lasted longer than the other. Normally the older the more reliable. But for the sound, I much prefer the older style motors. Has a much more pleasant tone in my opinion, the other one just sounds rather cheap. I had a blue Tempo 15 before which I've since given away, I would've still had it today if it had the older style motor. To my knowledge this is the only video on YouTube of a blue Tempo 15 with the older style motor but if there's more, I'd love to see them.