Late model vs older machines

I would imagine they are but whether its worth the extra investment will depend on your experience and background. For example, I've heard that a lot of people just starting want an embroidery machine with a screen so that can watch the screen during sewouts but if you learned to operate a machine prior to the introduction of screens then paying for a screen seems like a waste of money.

if you have the money to buy a newer model, do so. If you can buy new, even better. That way you get support for your machine and can get parts when nessecary.