One other difference is that the 301 (sans A) were only made for a short period of time- like 9 months or so from 1950 to 1951, and they were only available in black or mocha. I have one of the 301's and I really do like to sew with it. I also can do zigzag stitches with my attachments if necessary (the attachment moves the material instead of the needle). I also have a 221 and a bernina 430 that I use regularly, and would choose a machine based on the classes I was taking e.g. the 301 for any classes with FMQ, but if just piecing I would bring the FW. I have brought my bernina down to my camper, but it is heavy and a bit more sensitive than my other 2 workhorses- with more possibility of knocking something out of whack when transporting.