The new model is contoured a little better for those really hard holds with the pliers. I prefer the sleeker profile of the old model as the new one tends to hang up a little in my pocket.
For $45, I would buy a Swiss Tool "X". Fit and finish on the SwissTool is much better plus, I really like the scissors better then a serrated blade for general usefulness. File the flat screwdriver to a sharp edge (the SwissTool is totally polished so the flat screwdriver blade is slightly rounded and can slip out of the screwhead slot).
Guys at the office are pretty surprised when reach into my front pocket and pull out a Leatherman SuperTool but, it beats the heck out of tearing up my fingers with pack staples when you are replacing a laserjet toner cartridge!